Man, Woman Seriously Injured When Turkey Vulture Flies Into Motorcycle's Path In Manchester

Two people were injured Sunday afternoon when they were thrown from the motorcycle they were riding after a turkey vulture flew into their path on Pasadena Road in Manchester, police said.

James Trusnik, 46, of Ewing, and Dawn Hartzell, 47, of Keysville, Va., were both taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, after the accident, which happened about 1:30 p.m., Manchester Capt. Todd Malland said. Trusnik sustained several skin abrasions, while Hartzell’s head made contact with the pavement, Malland said. Neither was wearing a Department of Transportation-approved helmet at the time of the crash, he said, but added that their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening. Hartzell was airlifted while Trusnik was taken by ambulance, he said.

Trusnik, the driver, and Hartzell, his passenger, were driving north on Pasadena Road on a 1999 Harley Davidson with a group of motorcyclist when the turkey vulture, which was feeding on a nearby deer carcass, flew across the road in front of them, Malland said.

Trusnik tried to brake but lost control of the motorcycle and it crashed near Red Oak Road, throwing Trusnik and Hartzell from the bike, he said.

The crash is being investigated by Patrolman Paul Bachovchin and Patrolman Michael Lynch of the Traffic Safety Section.

The Manchester Township Police Department would like to remind all motorcycle occupants to wear only DOT-approved safety equipment while riding their motorcycles, Malland said.