Suspected Drunk Driver Kills Forest Grove Man On Mt. Hood Highway

RHODODENDRON, OR — One Washington County resident was killed and another tragically injured Saturday when their motorcycle was hit by a drunk driver on the Mt. Hood Highway, east of Rhododendron.

Forest Grove resident David Weiss, 71, and Nancy Jo "Gigi" Ludwig, 70, of Hillsboro, were struck just after 6 p.m. Jan. 13 on Highway 26, near the Camp Creek Campground at mile post 47, roughly 6.5 miles west of Government Camp.

Weiss sustained fatal injuries from the collision, police said. Ludwig is still fighting at Oregon Health & Science University — though her injuries are incredibly severe.

Gresham resident Robert Emmett Walsh, 54, was taken to the Clackamas County Jail on several charges, including manslaughter, assault, and driving under the influence of intoxicants. His bail is set at $272,500; his arraignment was set for Tuesday afternoon.

Clackamas County deputies were dispatched to the crash around 6:15 p.m. Saturday. The investigation found Weiss and Ludwig were traveling east on a silver 2003 Harley Davidson when Walsh, traveling west in a 2003 Chrysler Town & Country van, crossed into the motorcycle's lane. The impact was so great, the Harley tore the driver's side wheel completely off the van's front axle.

Both Weiss and Ludwig were wearing helmets, police said.

A tribute page for Weiss was created on Facebook, offering friends, family, and fellow riders a place to offer their memories and condolences. Updates on Ludwig have also been posted there.

Washington County ABATE, a nonprofit motorcycle organization that conducts holiday food and toy drives as well as many other outreach events in the Portland metro region, offered this statement to Patch:

"We will miss one of our newest Brothers. His humor and goodness will be in our hearts always."

A memorial ride is expected. Announcements for that and a service for Weiss are forthcoming.

Top image: David Weiss around Christmastime, courtesy of Washington County ABATE