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Air Force sergeant killed in crash near Hickam was ‘true wingman’

The Medical Examiner’s Office said the 28-year-old Air Force sergeant died of multiple blunt force injuries when he was ejected from his motorcycle after failing to make a turn Sunday near Hickam Air Force Base.

The cause of death for Staff Sgt. Shane Harding was accidental, the medical examiner said. Harding was a member of the 647th Civil Engineering Squadron and was the non-commissioned officer in charge of the sheet metal and welding shop, a Hickam spokeswoman said.

Harding joined the 647th in February 2015. He enlisted in the Air Force nine years ago.

“Staff Sergeant Shane Harding was a talented non-commissioned officer,” said Lt. Col. David Berrios, commander of the 647th Civil Engineering Squadron.

“His sharp and dependable character shined through in every aspect of his life. He was a true wingman, mentor and leader,” Berrios said. “He will be greatly missed by the men and women of the 647th Civil Engineering Squadron, 15th Wing and Joint Base Team. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. “

Police believe that Harding was speeding Sunday when he failed to make a turn in the road near Hickam Air Force Base and was ejected from his motorcycle and was killed.

Police said witness reported the victim traveling at a high rate of speed traveling southbound on O’Mallery Boulevard at 1:50 p.m. near the North Nimitz Highway overpass.

The victim failed to complete a left curve on O’ Mallery Boulevard and hit a barrier, police said. The motorcyclist was thrown to a grassy area near the road. Paramedics treated the victim and took him to Pali Momi Medical Center in critical condition where he died.

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