SISTERS, OREGON — Community Mourns as Fatal Motorcycle Crash Claims Life of Local Man, Leaves Passenger Critically Injured
SISTERS, OR — A tragic motorcycle crash along the Cascade Lakes Highway has left the town of Sisters reeling in grief after one local man was killed and a passenger critically injured on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. According to the Oregon State Police (OSP), Beau Douglas Gibney, age 36, was pronounced dead at the scene after the motorcycle he was operating veered off the road and collided with a tree stump. His passenger, Joeana Erica Spackman, 34, sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a regional trauma center for emergency treatment.
The crash occurred just after 2:30 p.m. on a stretch of the Cascade Lakes Highway near milepost 56, a scenic but winding road known for its breathtaking views and challenging terrain. Investigators say that Gibney, who was riding a black 2023 Harley-Davidson touring motorcycle, failed to navigate a curve in the roadway. The bike left the pavement, entered a gravel shoulder, and then struck a large tree stump near the forested edge of the highway.
Emergency personnel from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, and OSP responded swiftly to the scene, but tragically, Gibney had succumbed to his injuries upon impact. Spackman was found unconscious but alive and was immediately stabilized before being transported by Life Flight to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, where she remains in critical condition.
Authorities have stated that speed may have been a contributing factor, but a full investigation is still underway. There is currently no indication of drug or alcohol impairment, and no other vehicles were involved in the crash.
The sudden and heartbreaking loss of Beau Gibney has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Sisters community, where he was well-known and widely respected. Friends describe him as an outdoorsman, mechanic, and devoted father who loved riding motorcycles and exploring Oregon’s backcountry. He worked as a skilled fabricator at a local auto restoration shop and was often seen volunteering at community events.
“Beau had a heart that roared louder than any bike he ever rode,” said longtime friend Lucas Meyer. “He was tough as nails but always the first to lend a hand. This loss is going to leave a hole in our community that won’t be filled.”
Family members have expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from neighbors and friends, and they are now preparing for a memorial service to honor Beau’s life. A GoFundMe page has been established to help cover funeral expenses and support his young daughter, whom he adored.
Meanwhile, loved ones of Joeana Spackman are keeping vigil and asking for continued prayers. Spackman, originally from Redmond, is a mother of two and works as a part-time yoga instructor and caregiver. According to friends, she and Gibney had been close friends for several years and often rode together on weekend trips throughout Central Oregon.
The tragic crash serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with motorcycle travel, especially on high-altitude, winding roads. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and local law enforcement are urging riders to exercise extreme caution, particularly during summer months when traffic on scenic byways like Cascade Lakes Highway increases dramatically.
“Every life lost on our roads is one too many,” said OSP Lieutenant Daniel Weatherly. “We extend our deepest condolences to Beau’s family and are committed to completing a thorough investigation to provide them with answers and closure.”
Counselors and grief support services have been made available at local community centers in Sisters and nearby Bend, where many who knew Beau and Joeana are struggling to process the tragedy.
As the town mourns and awaits further updates on Spackman’s condition, a growing number of community members are coming together to plan a motorcycle ride and candlelight vigil in Beau’s honor. Organizers say it will be a celebration of life, a moment of unity, and a call for increased awareness about road safety.
For now, the people of Sisters are left with heavy hearts — grieving a life lost far too soon and praying for another that hangs in the balance.