Turkey Buzzard blamed in Manchester Motorcycle Crash

A turkey buzzard feeding on a deer carcass, swooped across Pasadena Road in Manchester's Whiting section, causing a motorcycle to lose control and crash Sunday afternoon, according to Township police.

The driver, 46-year-old James Trusnik of Ewing, and his passenger 47-year-old Dawn Hartzell of Virginia, were both thrown from the motorcycle and injured. Authorities said neither of them were wearing proper helmets.

Trusnik sustained several skin abrasions and was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune by Quality Medical Transport, while Hartzell was air lifted to the same hospital by MONOC helicopter. Police said her injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.

The crash is under investigation by Patrolmen Paul Bachovchin and Michael Lynch.

Authorities are reminding motorcyclists to wear only DOT approved safety equipment.