Motorcycle wreck claims life of native
|
The victim, James Richard (Ritchy) Shoemake, 34, died at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga Saturday from injuries he sustained in the single vehicle crash. He was reportedly on his way back to his family home in Jacksonville, Fla., at the time. His parents still reside in McMinnville.
According to preliminary highway patrol reports, Shoemake was heading south on Highway 127 just north of Chattanooga when he reportedly crossed the center line on his motorcycle, entering the path of an oncoming car. The accident happened just after 11 p.m. Saturday.
Shoemake, who was wearing a helmet, was able to steer back into his lane and avoid hitting the car head-on; however, in doing so he lost control of his cycle and hit a guard rail, ejecting him from the bike.