JACKSON COUNTY — Two people died in a motorcycle accident in Jackson County Sunday.  According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the area of Vaughn Road and Jimmy Lane in Desoto shortly after 8 a.m. after getting a report about the crash. 

The accident report says 34-year-old William S. Skelton of Johnston City and 27-year-old Heather L. Basenberg of Du Quoin were going west on Vaughn Road when Skelton failed to negotiate a turn.

The motorcycle left the roadway and struck a tree causing Skelton and Basenberg to be thrown from the motorcycle. 

The deputy coroner pronounced Skelton dead at the scene. Basenberg was taken by ambulance to an area hospital. Basenberg died later due to her injuries.