The Elyria post of the state Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, which occurred at about 6:45 p.m. Sunday in Lorain County’s Penfield Township. 

William Hill, 74, of Spencer, was driving his 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycle south on Ohio 301, when the rear tire appeared to malfunction, causing him to travel off the right side of the roadway, striking a ditch, the patrol reported.

Hill and his passenger and wife, Eleanor L. Hill, 74, were ejected from the bike.

Eleanor Hill sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to University Hospital of Elyria and then flown by LifeFlight to University Hospital of Cleveland, where she died of her injuries.

Her husband was transported to Cleveland MetroHealth Medical Center and treated for serious injuries.

Both were both wearing helmets at the time of the crash, and alcohol and drug use are not suspected to be involved in the crash, troopers said.

The next-of-kin was notified and the crash remains under investigation.

Troopers were assisted by the Wellington Fire Department, South Lorain County EMS, Don’s Auto and Truck Service and Cleveland Metro LifeFlight.