Air Force sergeant is killed in crash

A 28-year-old Air Force sergeant died of multiple blunt force injuries when he was thrown from his motorcycle after failing to make it around a curve in the road and hitting a barrier Sunday near Hickam Air Force Base, according to the Honolulu medical examiner’s office.

The manner of death for Staff Sgt. Shane Harding was accidental, the medical examiner’s office said Wednesday.

Harding was the noncommissioned officer in charge of the sheet metal and welding shop for the 647th Civil Engineering Squadron, a Hickam spokeswoman said. Harding joined the 647th in February 2015. He enlisted in the Air Force nine years ago.

“Staff Sgt. Shane Harding was a talented noncommissioned 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. 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 said a witness reported the victim traveling at a high rate of speed southbound on O’Malley Boulevard at 1:50 p.m. Sunday near the North Nimitz Highway overpass when he failed to make it around a turn in the road, hit a barrier and was thrown from his motorcycle.

Paramedics treated Harding and took him in critical condition to Pali Momi Medical Center, where he died.