2 die, 3 hurt in motorcycle pileup

Two people died and three were injured in an accident on the Geiger Grade that involved three motorcycles.

The accident occurred June 7 just after 9am on Highway 341 approximately 2½ miles south of the Highway 395 junction.

Nevada Highway Patrol troopers said a 2001 orange Harley Davidson driven by James L. Wood, 68, along with passenger Linda J Esterling-Wood, 64, both of Silver Springs, was riding in tandem with a 2004 Black Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Robert E. Sanders, 60, of Reno along with passenger Lisa M. Cissna, 47, also of Reno. They were traveling south when Woods’ motorcycle collided with a 2001 Black Honda motorcycle driven by Jacob W. Jensen, 43, of Sparks. All three three riders were ejected from the bikes.

After the initial collision between Jensen and Woods; Sanders’ motorcycle traveled over Jensen’s motorcycle which was on the ground. This caused Sanders and Cissna to be ejected off their motorcycle.

Wood and Sanders both died at the scene. Jensen was taken by Care Flight to Renown Medical Center with severe injuries. Esterling-Wood was transported by REMSA to Renown, also with severe injuries. Cissna was also transported by REMSA to Renown but was release later that afternoon.

Although the accident is still under investigation alcohol does not seem to be a factor.

Witnesses or anyone with more information are encouraged to call 775.689.4623.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report