Harley Davidson Passenger Killed In I-80 Crash In Fairfield: CHP

SOLANO COUNTY, CA — Alcohol intoxication is suspected to be a factor in a fatal solo-vehicle crash involving a Harley-Davidson Wednesday night on Interstate Highway 80 near Interstate Highway 680 in Fairfield, the California Highway Patrol said.

Mary Hadley, 55, of Eureka was riding on the back of the motorcycle and died from injuries suffered when she and the driver, Stephen Chiara, 47, of Fairfield, were thrown from the bike at about 8:45 p.m. on eastbound I-80 near the I-680 overpass, according to CHP Solano Area Spokesman David Harvey and the Solano County Sheriff-Coroner's Office.

CHP's preliminary investigation indicated the two were ejected from the bike because Chiara was "unable to maintain control of the motorcycle," Harvey said.

Emergency personnel found Chiara and Hadley on the right shoulder of I-80, both suffering from major injuries, Harvey said.

Both were taken to NorthBay Medical Center in Fairfield, where Hadley was pronounced dead a short time later, authorities said.

Chiara was in critical condition following the crash, according to CHP.

The incident remains under investigation, with alcohol intoxication suspected as a factor, Harvey said.

Anyone with pertinent information about the incident is encouraged to call the CHP Solano Area Office at 707-428-2100 and ask for Officer Link, who is handling the investigation. Witnesses may also call CHP's non-emergency line at 800-TELL-CHP (800-835-5247).

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.