Lafayette Man Dies in Motorcycle Accident on Shinbone Valley Road in Menlo

On May 16, 2026, at 6:18 PM, the Chattooga County E-911 Center notified the Chattooga County Coroner’s office of a fatal motor vehicle accident on Shinbone Valley Road in Menlo.

Upon arrival, Coroner Jeremy McElhaney pronounced 39-year-old James Cody Penland of LaFayette dead at the scene.

Mr. Penland was the single operator of a motorcycle that left the roadway and struck a tree.

The accident was discovered and reported by a passerby. No one else is believed to be involved at this time.

The Georgia State Patrol is investigating the cause of the accident.

The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Department, Atrium Floyd EMS, and the Menlo Fire Department all responded to the scene to assist.