Vernon Newsom, who recently retired as Mansfield ISD superintendent, died in a motorcycle crash Wednesday in southeastern South Dakota.

Vernon Newsom

Newsom, 61, of Mansfield, was trying to pass a truck on state Highway 50 near Geddes, S.D. about 6 p.m. Wednesday when the truck started to turn, according to Highway Patrol in South Dakota. Newsom drove into the ditch to avoid a collision, and the motorcycle hit an approach and rolled.

The patrol said his 62-year-old wife, Sharon, was a passenger on the bike and suffered life-threatening injuries. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that his wife retired as a teacher in 2004.

Vernon Newsom retired as superintendent in June and had served the district since 1996, according to the school district's Web site.

"The Mansfield ISD community is stunned and deeply saddened today by the tragic loss of former superintendent, Mr. Vernon Newsom," the Web site said.

Friends told the Star-Telegram that the couple was on a cross-country adventure to celebrate his retirement. They were riding in a 2006 Honda Gold Wing -- a three-wheel "trike."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.