An Ohio woman was killed early yesterday when the motorcycle on which she was riding crashed in Hopewell, state police in Beaver said.

Katheryn Shafer, 59, of East Liverpool, was a passenger on a motorcycle operated by her husband, Daniel L. Shafer, 58.

The couple was traveling south on Route 60 at about 3:30 a.m. when Mr. Shafer lost control and the bike began to tumble.

State police said both tires on the bike were severely worn with metal threads visible. The rear wheel of the motorcycle blew out before he lost control, troopers said.

Mrs. Shafer, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr. Shafer was taken to UPMC Presbyterian, where he was admitted in critical condition, police said.