St. Thomas Twp., PA (August 3, 2026) – Two motorcyclists died in a collision on Saturday, August 1, at Lincoln Way West and Hade Road. The accident occurred around 5:07 p.m. in Franklin County.
Ross Deshong, 54, and Paula Young, 50, both of Warfordsburg, were traveling east on a motorcycle. A westbound SUV was preparing to turn left onto Hade Road when it entered their path.
The vehicles met head-on within the signal-controlled intersection, throwing both riders from the motorcycle. Deshong and Young were wearing helmets but lost their lives. The 34-year-old SUV driver was taken to Chambersburg Hospital, while two passengers were not hurt. The wreck remains under examination.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Deshong and Young.
How Vehicle Turning Movements Can Cause Deadly Harm
A vehicle turning left may cross directly in front of an approaching motorcycle. Riders can have only seconds to brake or change direction once their travel path becomes blocked. At higher speeds, the distance needed to stop increases.
Motorcycles have narrow profiles that can make their distance and speed difficult to judge. Nearby traffic, road design, glare, and the turning angle may further affect how quickly a rider is noticed.
Motorcyclists also lack the protective cabin, seat belts, and airbags found in passenger vehicles. A rider may be thrown forward and then make contact with the pavement or another hard surface. Vehicle size, travel speed, and the angle where both paths meet can influence the severity of head, chest, spinal, and internal trauma.
