(CHP press release) On Sunday, August 3, 2014, at approximately 11:15 A.M., California Highway Patrol (CHP) Bishop Communications Center received a report of a motorcycle versus vehicle injury collision on US-395 at Picnic Grounds Road. Two CHP officers and a sergeant from the Mammoth Lakes Resident Post and one officer from the CHP Bridgeport Area office responded to the collision location and initiated an investigation into the cause of the incident.
The driver of the motorcycle, Mr. James McGifford, age 59, of Dayton, Nevada, was at the scene being attended to by Mono County Paramedics. Mr. McGifford was unconscious and had major visual injuries. CHP investigators determined that Ms. Shirley Liang, age 24, of Cupertino, CA was driving her silver 2009 Audi on US-395 Southbound attempting to make a left turn onto Picnic Grounds Road. Mr. McGifford was riding his black 1998 Harley Davidson motorcycle on US-395 Northbound approaching Picnic Grounds Road.
As Ms. Liang made the left hand turn, she moved her vehicle directly into the path of the motorcycle. Mr. McGifford was unable to stop his motorcycle and collided with the right side of the Audi. Mr. McGifford was transported by Mono County Paramedic Fire/Rescue Medic 2 toward Mammoth Lakes Hospital for treatment of his injuries. While in route to the hospital, Mr. McGifford succumbed to his injuries.
Mr. McGifford was wearing a helmet and motorcycle safety equipment. Ms. Liang had no injuries from the collision. Ms. Liang’s passenger, a Mr. Oliver Caspari, of Stanford, CA, had minor abrasions to his right arm. Personnel from the Lee Vining Fire Department, Mono County Sheriff’s Department, US Forest Service, Caltrans, Lee Vining Tow, and Mike’s Auto & Tow assisted at the scene. The collision remains under investigation.
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As one who rides bicycles and motorcycles, I can well attest to the defensive posture that all who ride have to assume.
Unfortunately for Mr. McGifford, he was unable to fend off this one. Very sad indeed. Condolences to the family and especially the posters here who lost a brother and a father also victims of another driver not paying attention.
For my brother, James Houston McGifford.
July 17, 1955 – August 3, 2014
Rest in Peace
Tribute To A Fallen Brother
By: Bob “Bikerwolf” Bryant
There is a certain pride
To a biker from the South
His soul shines through in his actions
Also the words that come from his mouth
The people that he truly loves
They are often very few
But they all know who they are
They know for them the things he’ll do
He will be there for his children
No matter what the cost
He’ll also be there for his woman
When she needs him most
He’s there for his brothers and his sisters
With a quick joke and a brew
He’s also there when all they need
Is just someone to talk to
There are few men like this
Weather you search far or wide
It is a terrible tragedy
When a Brother like this, takes his final ride
But a man such as this
Even after he is gone
Has not left you alone at all
Cause his spirit will carry on
He’ll be there when you wake up
On a bright sunny, summer day
His memories will always make you smile
When your world has turned to gray
There’s pain in your heart now
cause you’ll never again hear him say
“Come on Cheer the hell up man”
Or
“Let’s roll some miles away”
But know when you roll out
To take off for a ride
He’ll be there beside you
His spirit riding by your side
Know that your brother
On heavens roads will now roll
On his brand new Harley
That he fabricated from heaven’s gold
Then just think of the day
That you will see him again
He’ll be at the gates to welcome us home
Wearing that Big Ol’ Southern Grin
Copyright 2002 :All Rights Reserved
Please, if you drive…be very aware that bikers share the road with you…so share the road with them and give them the room they deserve.
This was my father that died. I understand people think that the motorcylce itself is dangerous because its obvious choice to blame. My dad has ridden a motorcycle for 39+ years and has always said that its not the motorcycle that is dangerous, it’s all the other idiots out there you have to worry about. This was just a moment in time when he was unable to avoid the other idiot. To all other motorcyclists and drivers of cars and trucks, please be aware at all times while driving.
We were driving to Reno from this area right after this accident happened and saw the lone motorcycle on its side in the middle of the road, with the absent owner’s belongings strewn all around it. It was such a sad thing to witness and just couldn’t help but say to my husband, “motor cycles are so dangerous.” May our good Lord comfort the families on both sides involved in this heartbreaking demise.
When you are on a motorcycle you’re invisible. It’s the first thing you should learn when you get one. Sorry for everyone involved.
Yeeesh, every motorcycle riders nightmare scenario. One of the few situations that can bite even the most careful rider.
Ms. Liang should have to give up her driver lic. Exactly why I don’t ride on the street anymore.
RIP Mr. McGifford