Two people died after a deadly motorcycle accident in Valley Center, San Diego, after the motorcycle they were riding on was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Officials have identified the two deceased as Lisa Marrazzo, 24, of Murrieta and Andrew Buchanan Gardenhire, 23, of Ramona.
Channel 10 News reported that Gardenhire, who was piloting the Honda CVR Ninja-style motorcycle at more than 100 miles an hour, veered into the path of an oncoming Toyota Corolla near Mac Tan Road. Both Marrazzo and Gardenhire reportedly died on the scene. Both were also wearing helmets, but that apparently did not help because of the crash’s impact. The motorcycle completely disintegrated and the Corolla was also totaled, the TV station reports.
This is absolutely an unnecessary, heart-breaking tragedy that took the lives of two vibrant young people. This has got to be devastating for both families and our hearts go out to them. It is especially touching to read Lisa’s mother’s note on the North County News‘ message board. She writes to thank everyone who has sent their condolences for her loss.
But Lisa’s mother makes a very important point as well. She sends out a message of caution to other young people out there. This is what she writes in her message: “My only wish is that if anything good can come from this horrible tragedy is that everyone learns a lesson from it ‘NO ONE is invincible and no joy ride is worth anyone’s LIFE.'”
I say “amen” to that. No joy ride is worth a life. It’s only pleasure that lasts a few moments. It’s certainly not worth losing your life over. That said, these reports are only based on preliminary investigations. We hope accident investigators really look into whose fault this accident was and whether speed was really a factor in this motorcycle accident. As personal injury attorneys who often deal with motorcycle accident cases, we have observed that often, initial eyewitness reports turn out to be wrong and other details surface as the investigation progresses.