Friends mourn Clovis couple killed in motorcycle crash

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Marian and Henry Tittle were known to their friends and family as "Sophie" and "Hank." The couple died this weekend when the motorcycle they were riding crashed off Auberry Road.

Sophie and Hank had just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. Friends say the two were inseparable. On Saturday, both of them died as they were heading home from a motorcycle ride. Friends of Sophie and Hank are still in shock and heartbroken the longtime couple is now gone.

"Shocked is an understatement," friend Leslie Herzog said. "Devastated. Haven't fully come to grips with everything yet."

The Clovis couple was on a motorcycle ride up in the foothills and were heading back down Auberry Road when their friends believe the sun got in their eyes. A California Highway Patrol officer happened upon the accident shortly after the crash Saturday at about 6 p.m.

"The investigating officer puts the speed between 45 and 50 miles per hour and then the rider in the vehicle didn't negotiate the corner that well and the vehicle went off the roadway hit a reflective sign and came to a rest on a boulder," Officer Victor Taylor with the CHP said.

Friends said the two were experienced riders who often enjoyed spending time on the road with friends now that their two kids have graduated college.

"They're wonderful people," Mike Herzog said. "I model myself after them with the way they raised their kids. Both graduates from college, intelligent kids, strong."

Strong is how they're hoping to be for the couple's two children and "strong" is how they describe the two of them.

"They loved each other," Leslie said. "They loved their kids. They were so proud of them. Very proud of their children and great parents, great friends."

"They never were without each other," Mike said. "She never wanted to go without him anywhere and he never wanted to go anywhere without her. They were one in the same."

The CHP said they were both wearing helmets at the time of the crash. Friends said Hank has been riding motorcycles for at least 30 years. Officers are still investigating a cause of the accident.