Motorcyclist killed in collision on Michigan Avenue in Ypsilanti Township
A motorcyclist was killed Thursday evening when a driver who apparently didn't see him turned her vehicle into the path of his motorcycle on Michigan Avenue in Ypsilanti Township, the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department said.
A 51-year-old Westland man was killed; his name has not yet been released.
Sheriff's spokesman Derrick Jackson said the man was riding a 2009 Harley Davidson westbound on Michigan Avenue at 8:14 p.m. when a 2001 Chevrolet pulled into his path. The car, driven by a 49-year-old Ypsilanti Township woman, was northbound on Rawsonville Road and failed to yield at the intersection, Jackson said.
The motorcycle burst into flames with the driver trapped beneath it, police said in a press release. Two citizens rushed over and pulled the driver of the motorcycle to safety, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver told police she didn't see the motorcyclist when she pulled onto Michigan Avenue, Jackson said. She had to stop at the stop sign at the intersection, but traffic on Michigan Avenue does not have a stop sign.
The woman suffered non life-threatening injuries and was taken to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Jackson said.
Deputies are continuing to investigate the crash and said alcohol does not appear to be a factor.
Comments
Dino's Wife
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 12:51 a.m.
There was a father taken from 3 loving daughters. A husband taken from his heartbroken wife of 25 years. A brother, uncle, cousin & nephew taken from his close-knit family and a dear friend and co-worker taken from lifetime and recent friends. A knight in shining armor("protective gear") wouldnt have survived this crash all because of the careless driving of one woman! There is blame to be placed here no matter what the excuse, primarily for the well being of his family as well as all of the accidents that can potentially be avoided in that specific area. No matter what your opinion is, this point CANNOT be sanely argued with any moral value!!! Seriously! He cant be brought back to us now and so many lives are changed because of poor judgement in the matter of a few life altering seconds!
Bill
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 1:57 p.m.
My first comment was removed because of offending language, name calling, and threats. I'm sorry, I was angry. I'm still angry about this. I know what happened, as they turned left into the turn around/cross over, the bike was hidden behind the right windshield post of the roof. It happens all the time. But people need to know this....please pause for two seconds at stops, and yeilds. If you count 2 seconds, this wouldn't happen. You can't see a bike behind that tassel, pine air fresher, or cute spongebob thing hanging from your mirror. Everyone seems to be in a hurry now days. I was hit on my motorcycle in March, by a girl texting on her phone. It was almost a headon, but I turned for the berm, and she still hit me. It will be a long recovery. Same lame excuse.."I didn't see him", in my case she even added "I didn't know what I hit". People, you need to look, and watch the road at all times. Lives were changed forever here, including the driver who will live with this for the rest of her life. Would this happen if she had a "Do over"? No. But we can't go back and change things now. It only takes a split second to ruin several lives. Is that text worth it....would that two second pause make you that late for you favorite tv show? I'm alive now because of that two second pause....I was traveling a dirt country road, late at night, in my car...radio kicking tunes. I came opon a stop sign at a rr crossing, I was tired, didn't want to stop, but I did. Imadgine my surprise as a train shot in front of me. I didn't see it behind the piller of the roof. The only light was on the front of the train, hidden behind that post. Take down that cute fuzzy thing on your mirror, pause for two, save a life....maybe your own.
samarah
Sun, Jun 27, 2010 : 8:11 p.m.
I dont know the man man but i feel his families pain i do know the woman and her heart and all of her families heart goes out to that man and his family dont persecute that woman she feels deep remorse and it was an accident. She would never hurt anyone or anything she is the best most honest hardworking person I know keep that in mind too she didnt mean to and she feels bad enough if she ever read some of these comments it would break her heart like it breaks the other families heart hearing some of the comments really think before you post when you dont know anybody involved you dont know what your talking about
stunhsif
Sun, Jun 27, 2010 : 10:58 a.m.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family, this is just so tragic and another case of someone not seeing the cyclist. That is why I gave up my motorcycling days 23 years ago when my oldest son was born. I had far too many close calls with people that didn't see me. When you're on a motorcycle you are at the mercy of the driving public which puts the odds against you.
ypsigirl
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 4:05 p.m.
People need to be more aware of motorcycles. My husband and I used to ride. People were constantly cutting us off, pulling out and turning in front of us like we didn't exist. People want to repeel the helmet law like Ohio did. Have you ever seen a person with a closed head injury? I am a nurse and work where people are in car accidents and other accidents where they have head injuries. We call motorcyles "donorcycles". WEAR THE HELMET. I kn0w this gentleman had his on. A car or truck is no match for a motorcycle the cyclist always looses the fight. Lets just all be careful out there. Life is precious and dear and once gone is lost forever. My husband died from cancer and that was bad enough. BE CAREFUL watch for motorcycles, small cars and people who don't watch what they are doing. It only takes a moment to make a mistake and a lifetime to regret it.
Cash
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 8:24 a.m.
so sorry, Thank you for your post. I had noticed the same thing and that's why I asked exactly where this happened because the description wasn't clear. The grass can be measured in FEET, not inches. Further east, into Wayne County on Michigan Ave when they rebuilt the highway they planted short ground covers in the median, such as sweet clover and other short plants. That was smart planning. It doesn't need to be mowed and it is attractive as well and most importantly does not block vision when using the multiple "Michigan left" turn lanes on Michigan Ave.
sosorry
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 7:30 a.m.
I too live near the accident scene. My prayers go out to his family and find yourself an attorney. There is a green space median that separates the east and west bound traffic lanes of Michigan Ave. This median is overgrown with grass over three feet tall. It has and does restrict a driver's ability to see above and beyond the grass. Yesterday MDOT had their tractors out there mowing. The police must have phoned. The median hasn't been mowed since last fall. There are also no sidewalks or bike lanes along Michigan Ave, so pedestrian and bicycle deaths are common.
Caitlin
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 12:12 a.m.
It is a said thing that happened to this man, my heart truely goes out to his family. However, I think that before some of you people post your comments blaming the women driving the car should know somethings before being disrespectful towards her. This especially to you Doug Kowalske. Some of you have commented that she didn't have respect for the motorcylcist, or that she may have been under the influence, and that she should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of that law. Well I know this woman and she is a second mother to me, and I would just like to say that she has the utmost respect for motorcylists. I say this because about 27 years ago her husband was killed in a motorcycle accident in almost the same manner, leaving her with a newborn baby to take care of, with out a father. So to say that she doesn't care about motorcylcist is just horrible and hurtful. Also if you didn't read the full article you shouldn't comment about her being under the influence because it clearly says that no alcohol was involved. But regardless she does not drink at all so once again read carefully before making disrespectful comments like that. The driver is a very cautious person and this was just a terrible ACCIDENT and blame should not be placed on anyone. I realize that when people are hurting it is so much easier to find someone to blame. But please remember that as all of you are suffering, she is suffering as well. I pray for everyone that was involved with this tragedy. And once again my thoughts and prayers go out to the motorcyclists family.
homesick
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 9:32 p.m.
I have had the pleasure of knowing this man for 10 years, both personally and professionally. I knew him as a caring son, a loving husband and a wonderful father. Chrysler Transport has suffered a great loss. My prayers are with his wife and daughters.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 3:50 p.m.
What a terrible tragedy for everyone involved, including the driver who struck the motorcycle. My condolences to the driver and to the motorcycist's friends and family. I wonder if there is something we can all do to make motorcycles more visible?
Cash
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 2:30 p.m.
robtru, Thank you so much. That was the only thing I could figure....what a tragedy. For you, I hope you can be consoled by knowing that you did your best. That's all anyone can ask.
robtru
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 2:15 p.m.
It happened at the cross section of Michigan Ave. going into the mobile home park. She was heading North into the park he was heading West on Mich Ave. Hope that helps.
Cash
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 2:05 p.m.
Condolences to all who knew and loved the deceased biker. Condolences to the driver and the family of the driver of the vehicle as they will be suffering as well. For all survivors this is a life altering event, and in a horrible way. No one can be blamed at this point. Edward, Can you possibly post a map or a link to one that pinpoints where this horrible accident happened? Your help would be appreciated. Thank you.
nostatic
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 1:42 p.m.
robtru, I would personally like to thank you for doing everything you could to try and save my friend and fellow co-worker. You have no idea how much I appreciate your thoughtfullness. This man was a top notch guy that I was honored to know. I will miss him greatly. To his family, my condolences are not enough. I am truely sorry for our loss. Chrysler Transport lost a great driver and union brother last night, Our hearts are broken
bs
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 1:28 p.m.
As a bike rider, as as someone who lost a loved one in a bike accident due to a careless act by another driver, my condolences to the family, and my respect for those that tried to help. That said, I would ask that annarbor.com reconsider their policy of allowing comments on articles when a death is involved. Without vetting every comment prior to it going live, you're exposing family members to hurtful comments. Allowing this to happen is just wrong...
rrt911
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 1:22 p.m.
Last October I was injured when thrown from my Moto Guzzi. It was my fault, no other vehicles we involved. I wore all my protective gear, but still broke my knee cap, leg and wrist and required emergency surgery. I am okay today BECAUSE I wore my gear. You should have seen the helmet--and it was a FULL FACE helmet--I would have been DEAD. Sometimes loud bikes do not save lives. Deepest condolences to the family of this rider.
seldon
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 1:01 p.m.
I completely agree with you, and you did exactly the right thing.
robtru
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 12:51 p.m.
Fire extinguisher is a great idea. But in the heat of the moment do you really think about things like that? I used the shirt I had on to put the fire out. Its not always about what you have its abotu what you do.
seldon
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 12:47 p.m.
My condolences to his family and friends. And reading this article has made me decide that I need to keep a fire extinguisher in my trunk. I'd hate to have been on the scene and not be able to help.
Cash
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 12:46 p.m.
Can anyone help me here...is this at the point where old Rawsonville dead ends onto E Michigan Ave (where it is divided)? Or is there another place that Rawsonville runs into Michigan Ave. Because if the bike was westbound there, the car would not be able to continue on Rawsonville but would be going into the mobile home park drive. I'm sorry. Maybe I'm at the wrong spot. I'm just trying to envision how this happened and where.
RuralMom
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 12:28 p.m.
Debbie, I don't think asking IF he had on proper gear in hot weather, is a "silly" question. As a rider, I want to know what those details are so I can avoid that same tragedy for MYSELF or my Husband. I didn't blame the victim, as I have said he could have been fully dressed in the latest tech advanced gear. Sometimes you don't have to be in the accident to learn a valuable lesson from it, hence save a life. I bet this man's family would WANT people to learn from this accident so they don't suffer as they are now.
robtru
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 12:20 p.m.
It was no problem I could not sit by and watch another human being burn its not in my nature. No thanks needed I just really wish he would have made it. Im so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family Debbie and Bruce.
Bruce Rosenblat
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 11:41 a.m.
As a cousin to this wonderful gentleman, I can tell you that he was a seasoned rider with many many years of riding experience. He was a wonderful family man, great friend, and terrific role model. He believed in full gear and responsible riding. When will the people of this state begin to respect motorcycle traffic? They don't look, they ride on top of them, and they disrespect their right to the road. Yes accidents happen. Not following traffic signals, or being under the influence of something, is not. A great man was taken because of an accident. It will be a real shame if it was under illegal circumstances. Should that be the case, there really is no room for mercy from me.
Debbie
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 11:31 a.m.
Let's not forget while we're typing all these messages about gear and silly things that you're talking about someone's family member and they are going to see your comments. This was a man that had three beautiful girls and a family that loved him. Robtru -- thank you for trying to save my brother!
5c0++ H4d13y
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 10:33 a.m.
Yea thanks @robtru. God's speed to him.
RuralMom
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 9:35 a.m.
Bless you Robtru! You did a good thing for this man's final moments.
robtru
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 9:31 a.m.
Me and another guy got him out of the fire and I put him out but there was nothing else we could do. He had on a helmet but the impact I think was too great. I pray for him and the woman who hit him. I will never forget last night.
RuralMom
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 9:31 a.m.
@ Scott Hadley - "Having said that I just about always wear full gear", my point EXACTLY, in this warm weather not everyone does each and every time. For all we know he was on his way to the corner store in a tshirt and shorts, ***I AM NOT SAYING THIS IS THE CASE***. Proper gear Scott CAN and sometimes IS the difference between a fatal accident, and one you survive. Never say Proper Gear won't help a fatal collision, you don't know until you survive a collision what helped and what was useless. I have an Uncle who survived one just like this article states, with only a broke ankle, thanks to his full helmet and gear.
5c0++ H4d13y
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 8:59 a.m.
Other than a good helmet I doubt full gear would make a difference in a fatal collision. Having said that I just about always wear full gear. For a few hundred bucks you can save your skin. http://www.gearupproject.org/
RuralMom
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 8:09 a.m.
I would really like to know if the cyclists was wearing all the protective gear. I won't ride without mine, even the heat waves we have been having. We may never know, however look twice and save a life, and wear ALL your gear! I have had this same scenerio (yet was able to avoid an accident) play out numerous times, you have to be really dilligent on a bike, even if it is lit up like a skyscraper, people just don't see you! I feel so very sorry for this man's family!
Barb
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 7:55 a.m.
Oh, that makes me sick to my stomach. People, please watch more closely.
5c0++ H4d13y
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 5:44 a.m.
Look twice... save a life.
Heather
Thu, Jun 24, 2010 : 10:55 p.m.
It was where old Rawsonville Rd. and Michigan Ave. intersect right by Johnny's Hot Spot
tracyann
Thu, Jun 24, 2010 : 10:42 p.m.
Where does Rawsonville Rd. intersect with Michigan Ave?