Edward Panetta, 53, of Ventura was killed in a Ventura County motorcycle accident near Lake Casitas on Highway 150 the afternoon of June 5, 2009, the Ventura County Star reports. Panetta had set off on a motorcycle ride and when he did not return his wife, Cindy Cash, filed a missing person’s report. Panetta’s son-in-law, Christopher Hess, who went looking for him the next day, found Panetta lying dead. California Highway Patrol officials determined that Panetta was riding west on Highway 150 when he lost control of his motorcycle.
Panetta was wearing a helmet and protective leather clothing at the time of the Lake Casitas motorcycle accident. His wife and family members say riding motorcycles was Panetta’s passion and that he was an experienced rider. His wife says she believes the motorcycle accident could not have happened because of something Panetta did. “I just don’t believe it was his own mistake, he’s too careful,” Cindy Cash tells the newspaper.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Edward Panetta for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my condolences to everyone who knew and loved Panetta, especially his wife, Cindy Cash. Please keep them in your prayers.
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 traffic accident statistics, there were five fatalities and 210 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Ventura County.
Based on this newspaper report, it is not clear what caused Panetta to lose control of his motorcycle. The news report also does not say what kind of motorcycle he was riding. This fatal California motorcycle accident may have been caused by different factors. In many cases, motorcycle accidents occur due to mechanical problems or motorcycle product defects. The motorcycle crash may have also been the result of a dangerous condition on the roadway. It is also possible that Panetta had been run off the roadway by another vehicle.
If Panetta’s wife believes that her husband did not cause this fatal motorcycle crash, she and other family members would be well-advised to retain experienced California motorcycle accident attorneys, who will analyze all aspects of this case and determine who or what caused this motorcycle accident. The family should also preserve the motorcycle in its current damaged condition until it can be carefully examined by an expert for mechanical problems, product defects or other evidence.