Do not take life for granted

1 dead, 1 critical in head-on crash | KeysNews.com

"Thursday, December 31, 2009
1 dead, 1 critical in head-on crash

KEY WEST: A motorcyclist died and a scooter-rider was severely injured in a head-on collision 6:15 p.m. Wednesday at United and William streets, police spokeswoman Alyson Crean said. Both were Key West residents.

Lance Brown, 35, died on the scene and Jeffrey Moore, 47, was airlifted to Ryder Trauma Center in Miami, reports said.

Lance reportedly was speeding toward White Street and passed at least one, and maybe two, other vehicles when he hit Moore, who was headed toward Duval Street, head-on, Crean said.

Moore was airlifted in critical condition. An investigation will reveal whether or not drugs and/or alcohol may have been involved, she said."


This was my brother in law who died Wednesday night. He was a very close friend of mine, the husband of my sister, and the father of my niece and nephew. This has hurt me and every member of my family profoundly. He was ten times the rider that I am. I really did not see this coming. It has left me really, really, fucked up. I haven't worked in a few days nor even looked at my bike since. I think I am going to have to trade my bike for a car soon. The funeral is probably going to be Tuesday and I feel like the biggest piece of shit ever for being his riding partner, and really, just for even having a motorcycle in general, at this point. I would just like everyone to please pray for my family as well as the man who was critically injured on the scooter. Everyone please be careful out there. Your actions do not effect just you, they effect many people. The man driving the scooter did not even see it coming, he is now in Ryder Trauma Center missing at least one leg. My entire family has put their lives on hold. There has been nothing but talk about funeral cost and what to do with the body, morgue and coroner. My life is really fucked up right now and I just wanted to remind every one to not take life for granted, because everything can change in that one split second decision to pass. Be patient and be careful. There is nothing in life worth rushing that is as important as your life.

 

Ah crap... I'm so sorry for your family's loss my friend. Our prayers are with you all.

 

Dont blame the motorcycle! ShitHappens. Out of all the animals on the planet, we are the smartest and most fragile. Sorry about your loss of someone so close!

 

Sorry for your loss. I am sure that many others, as well as myself, have enjoyed you input and membership in this community.
I have always told my family and friends, If I ride off one day, and you never see me alive again. I died enjoying my life. It's a much better death than lingering in a sick bed.
I have lost a friends to the road. Trust me, it you a safer rider.
My wife has kin in Key West, that live a couple of blocks from where the accident happened. The streets are full, and dangerous even to someone trying to cross on foot, much more so for anyone on two wheels.
Like that television commercial says, "Life comes at you fast..."
A man has to make his own decisions. If you really love to ride, think about this. Giving up something that you love, will not bring back the friend that you have lost.
Bless you heart-

Mac

 

what is that old saying about living your life in quiet deperation......do something you enjoy...he loved riding.....take solice in that

 

I pretty much second what Mac said. Life is short, and it goes by quick. It is important (to me, anyway) to make every action as if it were my last, and to take responsibility for all of my actions.

It is always difficult to lose somebody you care about. There is nothing that can be said, really, that will ease your suffering and pain. The best thing to do in these circumstances is to give yourself time to heal, and try to avoid making reactionary decisions. As far as that goes, important decisions of ANY kind are difficult to deal with. Give yourself time to mourn. It's necessary.

 

+1, my prayers go out to you man.

 

Lgn001 is right on!

Do not make any reactionary decisions right now.

Folks who suffer any great tragic event should wait at least a month to sell, buy, move, quit, depart, disown and or change your will, etc…..let your mind settle.

Life is short. Make sure those you love…. know it. Take some time, never give up.

 

Financial expert Dave Ramsey claims the waiting period should be six months. I'd say that's a pretty good number. You need to process and deal with issues, and things will come and go for a while to come. Making poor choices now will only make later on even that much more difficult. If it's the right desicion then it still will be in six months from now.

 

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. I know how difficult the tragic and unexpected death of a loved one can be. Don't place guilt in your lap for having riden with him. It sounds like a mutual desire in an activity that is wrought with risk. We are all individually responseable for our personal decisions, and no one else. I know that nothing can be said to help right now, however, cliche as it sounds, time will heal this thing. I know it works, even when it seems as though nothing will.

Lots of good on you, your family, and the injured.

 

My deepest sympathys for your family and family of the other injured party. It is never easy to deal with the passing of someone close to you especially in a situation as yours. I sold my second bike to a friend of mine that wanted to get into riding and 3 weeks later he was dead... I am still not sure 10 years later how I feel about it. There was alot of pressure from my family, the family of the deceased and my own concience to not ride anymore. For quite a while I lost intrest in riding because of the memories and guilt I felt in any 2wheel atmosphere. Given time I came to realise that these things can and do happen to anyone taking up any potentialy dangerous activity such a motorcycling. I also believe most of us understand the risk involved but we all need reminders from time to time that it can happen to any of us. Before you make any decisions allow sufficient time pass to make your choice, right now is not the time to worry about hobbies such as riding.

 

+++++++++++++ 1 As Mac said

My deepest Symathy go to your family and your brother inlaw family. My thought and prayer to you all.

 

Yea you’re correct, Dave did speak of waiting six months - good catch! He’s a good Christian financial analyst.

 

Sorry for your loss and the stress on you and your loved ones. I wouldn't do anything drastic until you've had time to heal. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Action

 

VERY Sorry for your loss!!!

 

I am truly sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you and your family. It truly sucks to lose someone close to you. I also believe you should give it some time until you make a decision to give up riding because of this tragedy. What if it had been a car accident or something as simple as a fall from a ladder? I don't think many people would give up driving or climbing ladders if a loved one died that way. I say get on your bike and remember him fondly as you ride. I doubt he would approve of you giving up your bike because of this. I wish you well.

 

very sorry for your loss, if theres anything i can do for his family money cards support please let me know, take it easy man let thing cool off for awhile then figure out what needs to be done

 

Buddy, I am very sorry for the loss to you and the loss to his family. I am sure that the sorrow is unfathomable. I am not as good with words as some on here are, and there has been alot of good advice in this thread - Starting with your's - Don't take life for granted.
I agree with just about everyone on here and what they have said in this thread - greiving takes time, don't rush into any major life decisions until you don't feel so fucked up inside.
Ultimately the decision to sell your bike is of course yours, and I am sure you will be respected either way you decide on that one. Safety and Gear is always a MUST, I don't know the details of the crash, but that should be factored into your decision when you make it.
I am sorry brother - Condolances to You and Yours from Me and Mine. Sincerely.
-Chris.

 

very sorry for your loss. this is a tough one. I can see how future riding will be a source of stress & difficulty for all involved.
The wait & see approach may keep you from looking back & wishing you hadn't.....
I am impressed by the compassion & caring expressed by the members of this board....most of which you have probably never met.
I wish you the best, my friend. to you and to your all your family members.