A Sheridan woman died in a motorcycle crash north of the city Thursday evening, according to a news release from the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

Cynthia Spillman, 63, was a passenger on a motorcycle operated by James Spillman, 62, traveling southbound on Wyoming Highway 345 when a deer entered the highway from a ditch, according to the news release from Patrol Sgt. David Wagener.

James Spillman tried to brake to avoid the deer, but a collision happened.

He and Cynthia Spillman were thrown from the motorcycle. Neither was wearing a helmet.

She was taken to Sheridan Memorial Hospital where she died.

James Spillman also was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released.

The Highway Patrol is investigating the deer crossing the highway and lack of helmet use as contributing factors in this crash.

James Spillman was issued two citations for operating the motorcycle while his license was suspended and for operating the motorcycle without a motorcycle endorsement.

This marked the 41st highway fatality in Wyoming for 2016. There were 66 fatalities during this same time period in 2015.

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