Airway Heights, Washington – Christina J. Gernert, a 40-year-old motorcyclist from Post Falls, Idaho, tragically lost her life in a severe head-on collision on State Route 2. The accident occurred on July 6, 2024, at approximately 6:50 PM near milepost 268.
Gernert was riding a 2020 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic motorcycle eastbound when she attempted to overtake a vehicle by entering the westbound lanes. This maneuver led to a catastrophic crash with a westbound Ford F150 driven by 70-year-old Donald P. Charlton from Harrah, Washington.
The collision was intense, with Gernert’s motorcycle crashing onto the eastbound shoulder and the Ford F150 coming to rest on the westbound shoulder. Despite wearing a helmet, Gernert was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of the impact. Charlton, who was wearing a seatbelt, was unharmed, though his truck sustained significant damage and was towed from the scene.
Preliminary investigations suggest that excessive speed and improper passing were major factors contributing to the collision. The incident underscores the critical importance of safe driving practices and adherence to traffic laws.