Valerie Shrader, 45, Remembered Following Tragic Motorcycle Accident In Ulster Township

The community of Towanda in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, is mourning the loss of 45-year-old Valerie Shrader, who died following a motorcycle accident on the afternoon of April 4, 2026, along Route 220 in Ulster Township. What began as a routine weekend ride through a scenic stretch of roadway quickly turned tragic, leaving family, friends, and residents grappling with the sudden loss of someone described as a deeply valued presence in the area.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, Shrader was a passenger on a motorcycle operated by a 43-year-old man when the crash occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. Investigators say the motorcycle encountered a steering issue while navigating a left-hand curve, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle then left the roadway and entered a drainage ditch, where the impact led to both occupants being thrown from the motorcycle.

Emergency responders arrived shortly after multiple 911 calls from witnesses and passing motorists. Valerie Shrader was given immediate medical attention at the scene before being transported to a regional hospital, where she later died from her injuries at approximately 4:45 p.m. The driver survived the crash but sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized in stable condition as of the latest update.

Authorities continue to investigate the crash, with particular focus on the reported mechanical issue that may have contributed to the loss of control. As the process unfolds, the loss of Valerie Shrader is being felt deeply across the community, where she is remembered not for the circumstances of her death, but for the life she lived and the connections she built with those around her.