HANSON — A motorcycle crash took the lives of a father and daughter with ties to Halifax and Hanson on Friday night.
Former Hanson resident James Ripley, 58, and his daughter Jenna Ripley, 19, both of Halifax died following the crash on Route 58 Monponsett Street near Hill Road around 9:30 p.m. on Friday, according to District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz’ office.
Bouquets of flowers were seen placed at the base of a telephone pole on Sunday where the pair was killed. Jenna was pronounced dead at the scene, her father later passing away from his injuries at the Brockton Hospital.
A Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by James Ripley was heading south and left the pavement, according to Hanson Police in a written statement.
John Mahoney, who has owned the old Ripley Farm on Main Street for over two decades where the family grew up, said he knows them well.
He called the fatal accident “terrible.”
Jim’s father John Ripley who resides at the far end of the Main Street property was unavailable for immediate comment.
Ripley, who was known for his height, owned a tree company that he took over from his father. He was often seen driving through town hauling logs on his rig.
Mahoney described Ripley as a friendly, good guy, a burly guy — always waving as he drove by in his truck.
The accident remains under investigation by State Troopers, Hanson officers and officers assigned to the Plymouth County CPAC Unit according to District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz’ office.