Update Wednesday, 9 p.m.: Commenting on this story has been turned off due to some people disregarding the rules against offensive language and threats.
George emailed to tell us of a terrible accident at Greenwood & 102nd just before 9 tonight:
The motorcycle was traveling north at “in excess of 90mph” (said passengers in cars who witnessed it). His passenger flew through the air all the way to 103rd. The man lost his leg in the hood of the car.
We live on the corner, heard the crunch, and saw the motorcycle passenger flying through the air. The motorcycle was traveling north on Greenwood. The car was driving south, turning left onto 102nd. The police are still here (at 10:20 p.m.) doing a full forensics on the scene. Both motorcycle passengers were alive but unconscious when they went into the ambulances.
Seattle Fire Department’s Real Time 911 log shows a massive aid response at 8:47 p.m. 
There’s not a lot of information yet, but KOMO is reporting that both motorcycle riders sustained life threatening injuries. Thanks, George, for the tip and photo.
156 responses so far ↓
1 John'than // Jun 29, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Good. Hopefully he’ll be hobbling on a bus the rest of his life.
2 Tom // Jun 29, 2009 at 9:32 pm
I’m gonna say a prayer for both of them. I hope they make it through.
3 JP // Jun 29, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Are the names of the riders available?
4 AC // Jun 29, 2009 at 9:48 pm
I live on 102nd. Apparently, the people in the car were from Idaho. There were two adults and an infant (about 4 months old) traveling in the car.
5 JP // Jun 29, 2009 at 9:51 pm
I’m trying to find out the names of the motorcycle riders.
6 George // Jun 29, 2009 at 9:54 pm
JP. I believe the motorcycle driver, who lost his leg, was named Curtis.
7 jm // Jun 29, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Terrible accident. It will be interesting to hear about the police investigation.
8 ben // Jun 29, 2009 at 10:11 pm
-
9 Boxcar // Jun 30, 2009 at 12:12 am
I recommend getting the comment reporting system on this blog too, like MyBallard has in place. Then when pieces of @#$% like the first commenter attempt their brand of humor at the expense of others… we can show them the door.
Nothing funny about this, John’than. Please don’t come back.
10 jm // Jun 30, 2009 at 5:55 am
Drivers tend to go too fast in that area and even faster after passing 105th.
11 Frank the Yankee // Jun 30, 2009 at 5:57 am
I agree with boxcar.
12 Frank the Yankee // Jun 30, 2009 at 5:57 am
Tom, I will be careful.
13 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 6:43 am
The man was doing 90 mph up Greenwood Ave. 90 mph. I hope he’s in jail….and they don’t give him his leg back.
14 Boxcar // Jun 30, 2009 at 7:26 am
On second thought, you are right. One should forfeit their body parts and/or their lives when they decide to break a law.
Extremists in the Middle East have proven that this system works, I guess it should be good enough for Greenwood.
15 jm // Jun 30, 2009 at 7:48 am
Any time a driver is speeding, that’s a gamble. You’re betting that all the other drivers can see you, they don’t turn or change lanes unexpectedly and the SPD speed trap team is on vacation. People like to gamble.
16 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 7:50 am
They did this to themselves while risking the lives of dozens if not hundreds of other people using the same streets. I have zero sympathy for them. Zero.
The most I’ll offer them is a Darwin Award but sadly, we the taxpayer are probably footing their bill at Harborview.
17 Stupid Hippie // Jun 30, 2009 at 7:57 am
90mph in a 30mph is just being free spirited!
18 Richard // Jun 30, 2009 at 8:07 am
The report of speed sounds bad but don’t be too quick to jump to conclusions. People are typically HORRIBLE at gauging speed. And the report is from PASSENGERS in another car (unlikely they were trained at being able to estimate speed while in another moving vehicle).
I only bring this up because (particularly with motorcycles) people routinely think others are going faster than they are. A sportbike revving high in a low gear makes people thinking it’s haulin’, when in fact it can be going slow. Similarly with a cruiser, they’re loud — people think they’re moving faster than they often are.
19 Bill // Jun 30, 2009 at 8:16 am
I agree with Richard about the ‘gauging speed’ comment.
I had just turned off of California Ave when a pedestrian crossing the street motioned for me to slow down… when I was traveling a little less than 30 mph.
My impression is that people driving feel that they can go over the speed limit, but everyone else must go under the speed limit.
20 98133 // Jun 30, 2009 at 8:34 am
He might not have been going 90, but for a motorcycle (sport bike at that) to do that much damage to a car, he was definitely exceeding the 35mph speed limit.
Regaurdless, I hope they make it through.
21 Reed // Jun 30, 2009 at 8:41 am
Actually, I heard from a housemate who saw the motorcycle before the accident that they “passed us going about 80.” Now, I can’t say for sure what exact speed they were going, but the evidence is certainly that they were going recklessly over the speed limit, endangering themselves and everyone else on the street. My housemate drives over the speed limit to begin with…
22 Rose // Jun 30, 2009 at 8:45 am
The passenger is a victim also. Cardinal rule number one. When operating a motorcycle and carrying a passenger, do not ride irresponsibly. You are carrying precious cargo and your passenger is not in control, you are responsible for your passenger’s life. This is a huge responsibility not to be taken lightly. I received a report (from the hospital) that this passenger is now paralyzed for life.
While praying for the injured, I’ll pray for John’than to get a heart. Thank you Boxcar, for keeping things in perspective.
23 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 8:52 am
“The report of speed sounds bad but don’t be too quick to jump to conclusions”
The helmetless ‘passenger flew through the air all the way to 103rd’; basic physics tells you they were being reckless.
“I’ll pray for John’than to get a heart”
I do, for the victims of these criminal **holes who risked the lives of innocent drivers. If you want to hug a thug, be my guest.
24 Brittany C // Jun 30, 2009 at 9:46 am
this is tragic we are praying for you LK and your friend. my condolences go out to both families. we are here for you!
25 Peter // Jun 30, 2009 at 10:00 am
Both of these kids are my friends, i’m going to Harborview when they get out of surgery. Thank you to the people who have come out here and shown support.
the kid who lost his leg was NOT named Curtis, no idea where thats coming from, but YES, he was traveling in excess of 90mph. He might be blind in one eye as well. passenger has two broken vertebra and bleeding in his skull, possible paralysis.
26 B.Lane // Jun 30, 2009 at 10:19 am
Peter-
Tell your friends that there are prayers going out to them. This terrible event happened in from of our home. My husband ran outside and attended to the driver of the motorcycle. He wasn’t breathing, my husband was able to open his airway and get him breathing again. I guess there was a wallet laying in the road with an ID for someone named “Curtis”. We are so thankful to hear that they are going to survive!
27 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 10:50 am
Yes, I’m really looking forward to seeing these fine upstanding citizens get back on the road.
28 MCLewis // Jun 30, 2009 at 10:54 am
Curtis is his middle name.
29 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 10:57 am
Any prayers for the victims of this crime?
30 Peter // Jun 30, 2009 at 11:00 am
Preach all you want.
Have fun convincing anyone that the family of 4 from idaho is way worse off than the kid with no leg. You’re a straight idiot or just an instigator, i can’t even tell.
31 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 11:08 am
I feel more sorry for those kids and family in the car whose lives were nearly ended by this criminal act.
I feel sorry for the terror they must have experienced because of this criminal act.
I feel sorry for the nightmares those kids will have because of this criminal act.
I hope criminal charges are pressed.
32 Peter // Jun 30, 2009 at 11:12 am
^ fail
33 Mike // Jun 30, 2009 at 11:15 am
Some sort of crowd sourcing on this site’s comments would do a world of good for the tone. I find myself reluctant to read certain stories cause I know the trolls will come out of the woodwork.
34 Peter // Jun 30, 2009 at 11:18 am
No one here is trolling except this johnathan fellow
35 B.Lane // Jun 30, 2009 at 11:24 am
Just to clarify, it was 2 adults and a baby. Yes, it’s a terrible thing they had to go through and a miracle they were all physically fine. The motorcycle driver made an awful mistake that he will live to regret for the rest of his life. Prayers were said for all that were involved, even the witnesses. John’than – you need to work on your compassion and forgiveness. The boys on the motorcycle have parents, friends and loved ones who need support and encouragement right now.
36 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 11:26 am
What they need is a good criminal defense lawyer.
37 Doree // Jun 30, 2009 at 12:13 pm
The two comments with the F word have been deleted. Please keep comments clean. Don’t make us ban certain people from the site.
38 jl // Jun 30, 2009 at 12:14 pm
The deed is done and the results are still being tallied. I agree with the folk reading this and writing on this list that there should be a degree of concern for the injured and their families regardless. For people that talk loud, like John’than, join up and fight in Iraq or Afghanistan. There’s enough hate in the world as it is. I agree with the people who wrote, “Get a heart.”
39 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Yes, god forbid we pass judgement on morally and criminally reprehensible behavior in Seattle, like driving at 90mph on a public street threatening the lives of families and babies.
We wouldn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings by judging such behavior.
40 Peter // Jun 30, 2009 at 12:26 pm
B. Lane you need to thank your husband for all of us. I hope there is a way we can get in to contact to thank you in person or maybe you would like to see the boys at harborview.
41 steve // Jun 30, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I know both of these Kids they are 20 yrs old and are good kids.
If they made a poor decision this day traveling to fast and the driver
misjudge the speed or didn’t see them at all it was a terrible accident that
has no upside. To judge a person on this terrible accident is very narrow minded
and I hope all your decisions in life have been true.
42 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 12:35 pm
90 mph in a 35 is not an accident, it’s criminally negligent. Had someone had died, it would have been vehicular homicide a.k.a. ‘murder with a vehicle’.
43 steve // Jun 30, 2009 at 12:43 pm
You don’t know the speed or the circumstances, you may be correct quoting the law.
But this seems to be a game for you; the bike riders will never be the same and is so fortunate the people in the car are okay. I still think more facts in order before you jump on your mis-guided soap box.
44 B.Lane // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Peter-
He would love to see them at Harborview. Is there a way I can give you his email discretely?
45 AMC // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Regardless of fault or blame, this is such a tragedy. Please do let us know any updates on the health of the people involved.
Just ignore the comment trolls-greenwood is filled with compassionate neighbors who do care.
46 Moe Hong // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Going that fast is showing a reckless disregard for the lives of ones neighbors and is being, as explicitly as possible, a bad citizen.
It says “I don’t care about your life, and I’m going to do as much as possible to risk it,” just as much as it says the driver doesn’t care about his own safety.
People should have the right to risk their own safety, out on the salt flats in Utah or someplace, but not where they can hurt others. Those of you defending these morons, or at the very least castigating those who are angry with them, need to get some perspective: next time it may be you or your children who are killed by one of these people.
At the very least, they should never, ever be allowed to drive again. That’s just a given.
47 gen // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:21 pm
john’than, you are a sick and disgusting person. these were two of my close friends that were injured, and even if you didn’t know them, i can’t fathom the fact that you wish them to experience further pain and hurt than they have already experienced. they ARE outstanding citizens and wonderful people, inside and out, and how dare you pass such judgement on people you don’t even know. they made a mistake, and they deserve our good thoughts, prayers, and hope. you seem like a disgusting, negetive, judgemental pig, and i hope the bad karma you are spreading on this situation comes back and slaps you in the face someday.
48 Graham // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:26 pm
John’than, you are a waste of life. People like you who have no soul, and have NO idea what they are talking about only make terrible situations like this one worse. You are basing all of your information on eyewitness reports filed by people who had forgotten their radar guns at home. Keep the peanut gallery crap to yourself or don’t post, D-bag. To nearly everyone else: thank you for your compassion and especially to the people who stayed with our friends until help arrived. I will post any new info when i get back from harborview.
49 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:30 pm
If you find me doing 90mph in a 35, on a public street, speeding recklessly and risking the lives of ‘outstanding citizens’ like children and families driving home because of my selfishness, you’re right, I deserve bad karma.
I was raised to think ’sick and disgusting’ were words you normally use for people who threaten the lives of others through their illegal, dangerous actions. But I’m old fashioned like that I guess. If they had killed someone, I imagine a judge would agree.
50 Casey Cass // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Johnathan-
I hope with every part of my soul and body that someday some 20 year old KID that you love makes a stupid mistake that ends up changing his life for ever. And I hope that when this happens some c*nt in his house on his little comp says horrible things about this person while ur grieving. Cuz maybe, just maybe when this happens, you’ll understand how awful that feels.
51 jm // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Friends and neighbors, reckless driving and excessive speed can’t be justified.
52 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Thank Moe for having the courage to judge.
53 Casey Cass // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Oh and Moe-Hong they probally will never drive again because they have sustained such horrible injuries.. But im glad you’re wishing that on someone who left puberty 3 years ago.. good for you
54 Peter // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:33 pm
-B.Lane-
see thats what i’m saying i haven’t been able to contact you directly. i’ll post here again after i go see them, which might not be until tomorrow. They might still be in surgery past visiting hours.
People can say what they want about the laws and shit. and Moe Hong you put out this perspective idea yet you seem to ignore that at 20 years old, you, could see from both eyes, still had both of your legs. My other friend might not be able to move at all.
You’re over talking about driving privileges? . . . wow
55 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:33 pm
If it was my kid who nearly killed innocent people, it’d be the a** whooping from me he’d have to worry about.
56 Peter // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Haha at this Ballard squad coming in and laying the law.
57 R. Shark // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:36 pm
John’thon, you must have lived a perfect life and never once done anything impulsive in your life. I’m sure you have never been guilty of pride, as in showing off to a friend when you got something new. You should be an example to us all… I’m sure that when judgement comes, that you will be judged with the same measure that you have judged others.
Please keep in mind that being human means that we make mistakes, also that everything has a purpose. How are we to know that 10 years from now, with the mistake these people lived through, maybe they will have a chance to change another persons life with their story and possibly save several other lifes because of what they have been through.
We should all have more tolerance, because until it all gets washed out, no one really knows the complete story except the people it involved. Being judgemental is a crime in itself, there is no way you know the whole story. So until you do, you should keep your negitive opinions to yourself. Why be a hater.
As another had said; go join the military, they are always looking for those like you for front line service. who knows maybe you could do some good for once.
58 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:39 pm
“We should all have more tolerance”
What’s next? Drunk drivers (I didn’t mean to kill anyone)? Drive-by shootings (I wasn’t aiming at the little kid)?
59 Casey Cass // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:41 pm
That’s the thing about the internet, you can say horrible things and not worry about the repricusions of you actions. Cuz if you were saying this in real life you’re the one who’d need to be worrying about the a** whooping i’d hand you
60 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:42 pm
” not worry about the repricusions of you actions.”
Funny choice of words there…….
61 Gordon // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:45 pm
John’than - You have succeeded in your point, everyone here thinks you are the lowest form of life and a waste of flesh. If there ever was a definition of a piece of it, it would be you sir - kudos!
62 Casey Cass // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Sometimes when i’m so mad that my hand is shaking my typing skills aren’t 100 % It was my mistake, and I should lose my index finger for it… And never be allowed to type again.
63 jm // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:47 pm
So Gordon, a reckless driver is your hero?
64 Casey Cass // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:51 pm
So jm, being a reckless driver makes you an awful person? Driving too fast one day takes away all of a persons good qualities? It must be nice living in your a black and white world where people are either good or bad. You have fun with that you simple, simple person.
65 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Hell, I only killed someone once, the other 18,250 days of my life I’ve been an angel.
66 JackJ // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:54 pm
I think the thing you are missing here, is that while the cyclist is definitely more at fault (who is by the way one of my good friends) KOMO has also told us that the car failed to yield, and stopped mid turn IN FRONT of the motorcycle. The fact that they were speeding definitely worsened the accident, but had the car not failed to yield none of this would have happened to begin with. John’than you are a piece of sh*t and I think you are going to have a lot to answer for.
67 jm // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:56 pm
You have no argument. The driver on the cycle appears to have been breaking the law and the posted speed limit. Who was at fault?
68 Phinney Mom // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:57 pm
You know folks, if you keep calling John’than names and telling him what a meanie he is, it only encourages him to reply yet again, and takes your focus off sending all those good thoughts to the boys that were injured.
And for the record, I think John’than has a pretty valid point once you set aside the notion that he’s judging the very souls of the motorcyle riders. Good hearted boys or not, they did something that could have hurt a lot more people than just themselves, and it’s a shame that the lesson learned will have such a tragic impact on their lives from here out.
69 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 1:59 pm
“motorcyle riders”
“Rider”. The passenger is not at fault. He’s another victim.
70 jm // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:00 pm
This happens every week with reckless cycle drivers.
71 JackJ // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Phinney mom, thank you for trying to calm the storm but it is more the fact that he is saying they deserve this. While it may have shown poor judgment on their part I think it is more important that people be sympathetic for BOTH parties, and realize that accidents are just that, accidents. Its too bad that people think death and injury is something to laugh about.
72 jm // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:03 pm
The cause of the crash has not been determined.
73 Casey Cass // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:04 pm
You know what’s funny? Is that these guys did make a horrible choice that ended with a horrible accident and they are paying for it dearly. You know what’s worse? Saying things that you know will make people who are dealing with some heavy stuff, even more unhappy.
Good for you guys. You two are the heros.
Not the people who helped save the lives of the young guys. No, the self righteous “saints” who have nothing invested in this.
No one you know is hurt.
No one you know is going to be changed for ever.
So have fun on that neutral, moral highground. Where for you it’s just a story about reckless drivers, not people you know or care for.
You are men among men. And I wish one day I could be as wise as you.
74 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:05 pm
I’m not laughing, I’m seriously pissed he could have killed someone in my neighborhood. And again, doing 90 in a 35, is not an accident, it’s criminal behavior. Don’t believe me, ask a cop or a judge.
75 Phinney Mom // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:06 pm
JackJ @66 - I’m not sure “failure to yield” will hold up if in fact the motorcyle was traveling 2 or 3 times the speed limit. I can easily understand how a driver could see the oncoming traffic and think they had plenty of time to make the turn — only to realize mid-turn that, “Oh my god! That motorcyle is coming so FAST! Oh Shit! What do I do? Do I stop or go? Oh Shit! Hurry up and turn! No, wait! Let him pass in the other lane! Oh Shit they are so close!”
All of that thought process takes place over a period of about 2 seconds, and the driver freezes in indecision.
Not saying I know anything about this particular accident, but I’ve been in the above scenario and when someone is speeding towards you, you don’t always realize it until it’s too late.
So yeah, both drivers may share some blame, but speed was likely the deciding factor.
76 Gordon // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Jin, I know when to show a little common sense and respect for the families and friends of those who make an error in judgment. Nothing was said about hero’s, take a look in the mirror, your intolerance is a joke
77 Casey Cass // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Actually that is an argument, both parties broke the law dumba**.
78 JackJ // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:07 pm
To my friends in the accident, I wish I could come see you and I hope the best for you. To friends and family of these two guys, this is going to be a trying time for all of us and I know that we have a big enough support system where hopefully we can help both families out with anything they might need.
79 Red // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Everyone needs to calm down and ignor John’than! Obviously he comes from a world of hate and zero compassion. The driver of the motorcycle is a family friend. Friend or not, we need to feel compassion for ALL parties involved! Families & friends for ALL involved are having a very hard time. If you can’t say anything nice, SHUT UP!
80 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:19 pm
You’re right, I have zero compassion for criminals who threaten or take the lives of innocents. As I said, I’m old fashioned like that.
81 Casey Cass // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Like seriously what is you problem? Can you at least have enough empathy for the people who did care about these guys to realize that you’re making an awful situation worse? What is wrong with you dude?
82 JackJ // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:22 pm
He’s a dick.
83 tb // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:23 pm
For those who are friends of the riders, please come back to give us a followup.
Lots of us who live next to where it occurred ran out to give comfort or first aid and we want to know the outcome.
84 Ladybug14 // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:23 pm
I am one of the motorcyclists co-workers and friends and I just happened to run in to him approximately 10 minutes before this accident at a restaurant nearby. I’ve been scanning the internet for information and the picture of this wreck is absolutely sickening. People make mistakes in life and unfortunately for him he will have to pay dearly for this one. As terrible as having to amputate a leg is at least he did not have to lose his life.
I’m so saddened and shocked by this news. If anyone on here who is more close with him has any information or has visited him please post updates.
85 Red // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:24 pm
John’than really, SHUT UP! Stop posting!
86 Moe Hong // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:32 pm
I’m not “wishing” pain on anyone.
I’m wishing safety on everyone.
If you are so selfish and deluded that you can’t tell the difference between the two, you shouldn’t be behind the wheel of a car or on a bike either.
Of course it’s sad. It’s even sadder that people would willingly risk the lives of innocent bystanders for no reason other than their own enjoyment.
We all have to pay for our mistakes. I pay for mine every day, but I’ve never begged off or asked for sympathy.
I feel for these kids and their families, but that doesn’t mean I feel less for the people who, every single day, are killed and maimed by others too selfish to care.
Cass, if being a reckless driver makes it probable that you will kill an innocent person, and you CHOOSE to be a reckless driver, then you are - ipso facto - choosing to engage in behavior that is likely to kill an innocent person.
That does indeed make you a bad person. I’m curious to imagine how anyone could believe otherwise.
We are defined by our actions, not by the number of friends we have or how loud our friends protest our innocence; we are not innocent because we are young or inexperienced; we are not blameless because “it was an accident.”
Did they not choose to go 90? Was it a mechanical malfunction, or an explicit choice?
87 JackJ // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I agree with j johnston. Its easy to be an asshole when no one you know was involved.
88 JackJ // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:42 pm
And as for you Ms. Octavian, no one is saying they didn’t make a bad choice, but there is a difference between that and saying that the driver deserves to have a severed leg. I wish you and your family the best.
89 John'than // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Jennifer, I hope your little girl recovers from this and isn’t traumatized by this crash - this is a horrible thing to happen to a child. I had a loved one killed by a drunk driver 40 years ago, not a day goes by I don’t forget.
90 Gordon // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Jennifer, the point is not the guilty party being called guilty its the lack of respect for all parties involved in this terrible accident and the fact that some choose to take a holier than though stance when if the same thing was to happen to a friend or relative I hardly doubt they (see John’than) would be saying the same thing. I am happy that in your automobile no one was seriously injured, and am aware that accidents (turning in front of motorcyclist) and carelessness (speeding on a motorcycle) happen every day. I think some of us would just expect more from our community. Your daughter is going to be ok, these two guys are ruined for life and as a rider my thoughts and prayers will go out to them first and foremost because they are paying the greater price for their actions.
91 Gordon // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:46 pm
And John’than you should stay the hell out of this conversation your comments are wasted on the majority of this group
92 Graham // Jun 30, 2009 at 2:52 pm
I hope for john’than’s sake, ballard never finds out who you are. You are indeed a bad person and I hope one day somebody laughs at you while you bleed in the street.
93 Benny // Jun 30, 2009 at 3:01 pm
john’than lemme know your address or where we can meet in person if your man enough.
94 Bravo // Jun 30, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Real mature folk here. I see a couple posting against the two kids, a ton of them blasting those two (almost trolls) and one Graham whose post speaks volumes about his mental age.
The two kids have paid a great price and will have to live with their actions and missing limbs for the rest of their life wishing every minute they could take back what they did. What they did is a crime and I doubt anyone here would be so forgiving had those kids hit a pedestrian at those speeds, God Forbid, one you “compassionate souls” know.
I am glad to hear that the family in the car will be OK. Hopefully the baby will not have any traumatic memories.
If you guys are all adults as you so claim, start acting like adults and put aside the petty squabbling. What has happened is a tragedy and if you people cannot get past the petty details and look at the larger picture here, well it’s just a sad thing that everyone is able to afford a computer and an internet connection. Be glad you are alive and don’t take your life (and limbs) for granted.
95 Graham // Jun 30, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Thanks for your insight bravo. I’m glad YOU have everything figured out, because the rest of us are just grasping at straws. I’m sorry if you feel that I came off as childish but some things (namely those stated by John’than) should go unsaid, especially since I saw both rider and passenger less than 5 minutes before the accident which makes it even more difficult to cope with. Thanks again for the life lessons, Dr. Phil.
96 Anne // Jun 30, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Some mistakes go without consequence. Some with little. This one, not so much. Those boys made a mistake and have experienced the worst of consequences.
Everyone has pushed a limit once or twice in their lives without a blink of an eye. To judge these guys so harshly is as if you live perfectly all day every day.
The folks in the car are not victims. You cannot be guilty of something that could have ALMOST happened. Yea, so, they could have been seriously injured, but the WERE’NT. Thankfully. Tragically the guys were. Anyone who would add insult to their injury, or salt to their wounds is horrible.
97 Ben.D // Jun 30, 2009 at 3:41 pm
john’than go away.
98 Hacesol // Jun 30, 2009 at 3:59 pm
AS OF 4:30 pm , BOTH RIDERS ARE ALIVE AT HARBORVIEW, families are grieving and wishing them well through hours of surgery. The outcomes of suregry are uncertain at best. In respect to the families i will not divuldge the extent and detail of their injuries, other than to say their bodies are of course badly broken and in need of some serious mending. Thankfully we have the incredible trauma center of harborview.
The boys (age 19) are friends since age 5. both Ballard boys. Well liked and loved by many friends, and their families The driver had recently sold his truck to by this bike , and he was showing his new machine, of which he was proud and excited , to his good friend. Both were wearing “half-helmets”….
This accident was at dusk light. this was a new motorcycle rider with no training. We hear that the driver of the bike was speeding. We had a driver make a left in front of the bike, and then panic and stop 1/2 in the lane the motorcycle was travelling. There was no chance to avoid the collison.
It is an accident, and very sad for those of us who know the boys, and for the couple and 4 month old in the car …these riders were great kids , full of life and heart. now facing uncertain phycial limitations,
I say this is a case for requisite traiining to new riders, where perhaps part of the training is a video showing these sorts of pictures…to scare them into the realities of fast travel over roadway, and instill respect into otherwise naive riders.
100+ horsepower machines and 19yr old boys is a dangerous combination.
99 verymad // Jun 30, 2009 at 4:13 pm
The folks in the car are not victims. You cannot be guilty of something that could have ALMOST happened. Yea, so, they could have been seriously injured, but the WERE’NT. Thankfully. Tragically the guys were. Anyone who would add insult to their injury, or salt to their wounds is horrible.
Great point, jennifer your kids fine, get over it you’re life is gunna keep moving unlike the boys..
no one wants to hear ur trivial complaints. Go back to idaho
100 98117 // Jun 30, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Under all the heartless comments, I have to kind of agree with John’than. 80 -90 mph in a 35 mph zone is incredibly negligent. Yes everyone in this accident deserves our prayers and well wishes however it is criminal to endanger pedestrians and other drivers driving so much over the speed limit. I could possibly see 45 …. that is an easy mistake but close to 80? It is wrong, it was an incredibly poor choice of that motorcyclist.
101 Mike // Jun 30, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Isn’t that a double yellow line that the car tried to turn across? I am surprised that no one has commented on that. It sounds like the driver of the car froze up like so many bad drivers do in this situation. You see a lot of these people whom think that they are “safe” drivers because they drive slow or slam on their brakes when a light turns yellow. I am not saying that this was the situation, but I hope that this is considered when deciding who’s fault this whole thing was.
102 Stupid Hippie // Jun 30, 2009 at 4:32 pm
These guys sure have some classy friends.
103 SGD // Jun 30, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Jenny,
Apologies for some of the comments posted. Like anywhere else, Ballard has its share of idiots.
Best wishes on the recovery and future well-being of all parties involved.
104 jen // Jun 30, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I can’t believe that people are being so rude to the car people. They were caught in a accident that young people were being show offs and speeding way beyond alittle over the speed limit. They were simply having the deer in the headlight syndrome. I send my sympathy to the ones injured but they were in the way to fast wrong. I am so glad a little kid or adult didn’t get in the way trying to get something that had rolled into the street or there would have been a death. People are able to speak their opinions and feelings in either case. No reason to threaten people saying hope we don’t figure out who you are and other stupid crap like that. I hope everyone involved injured or not gets through this whole mess quickly. Good luck to all.
105 darnative // Jun 30, 2009 at 5:02 pm
My heart and prayers go out to these boys and their families. Yes they made a stupid mistake and one they will likely suffer with for the rest of their days in many ways. Who of us hasn’t done some cazy risky stuff when we were young?
I think the best we can do is not comment on any of the negative and heartless remarks, like those of John’than. Don’t give people like him fuel for their cold and unfeeling remarks. I say ignore him and let him talk to himself. Maybe if we’re lucky, he’ll go away if nobody is encouraging him.
Instead anyone that cares, should do what they can to support these kids and thier families through this crisis.
106 Casey Cass // Jun 30, 2009 at 5:08 pm
You all are sure classy people, stupid hippie, kicking two young guys when they’re down!
The lack of empathy and sympathy you all have shown on this blog today is disgusting. I’m hoping you’re all transplants and not native seattle-ites, but i dont know if that’s statistically possible.
I hope everyone who said some nasty sh*t on this blog is proud of themselves. You helped to make people who are having horrible days just a little worse. Kudos.
To Bravo, i dont know what qualificaitons you have that make you in a position to preach, but keep it to yourself. No one wants to hear your objective-sudo-philosophical bullsh*t. See if you could maintain that frame of mind if those two guys were your freinds/family.
No one is saying the guys didnt f*ck up, and we all wish they didnt speed and were more responsible. But they did and now good guys are really f*cked up. The people in the car are fine, the guys aren’t. That’s the end of that chapter.
I would think that life threatening injuries are enough punishment for speeding, but apparently they need to have their characters attacked aswell.
I think you all need to ask yourselves that if you were in the postion of the freinds and families, would you really need some anonymous pricks attacking your friends who almost died last night? Im guessing ud say no
Oh since im not anonymous coward anyone who felt it was ok to trash these guys and would like to man up and say it face to face, let me know and ill give you my number.
Like my mom said, if you can’t say something to someones face then you’re really in no place to say it at all.
*apology for my typos in a hurry
107 youngworld // Jun 30, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Jennifer this is from an eyewitness, she clearly points you and your car as being at fault as well. So why dont you calm down with the guilty accusations, and take some responsibilty for your part in the accident, and thank god your daughter wasnt the one who lost a leg.
“The photo above shows my wife’s silver ford F 150 in the background. She witnessed the accident and stayed with the motorcycle passenger as I said above. She says he was breathing the whole time, but in and out of conscienceness and she had to wake him up several times. He was moaning and tried to talk, but couldn’t. She just kept telling him to fight to live, and praying over him again and again. I think she’s still in shock. We just drove back to the scene so she could see it and stop playing things over and over in her mind. The man she helped was at least 100 feet from the accident debris. She says both people were at fault. The motorcyclist was speeding and the car had begun a turn but stopped it and it was too late. My wife really wants to know if they are alright but we’ve heard nothing. Is there a way to find out? Thanks everyone.”
108 Go Pray // Jun 30, 2009 at 5:48 pm
For all of you Ballard High, class of ‘07 graduates that are spamming this board, saying terrible things to people for basically no reason (verymad in particular), how about you take your energy and GO PRAY. Or set up vigil outside the hospital. Or cook your dear friend’s families food they can freeze and reheat easily while tending to their sons. Or write cards. Or have a car wash to raise money for your friend’s hospital bills. Hell, maybe even consider applying to one of the local community colleges. Do something, ANYTHING besides sit online and respons as soon as possible to John’Than or someone else that says something you don’t like. Please, for heaven’s sake, LEARN SOMETHING from this situation. Stop placing blame or defending yourselves/your friends. If you feel they were not in the wrong, then there should be no point in defending them. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone if you truly believe your friends are innocent, good kids that just got caught up in a bad situation.
All of this “manning up” and “let’s take this outside” attitude has no place in a civil conversation. You should realize most of the people that post and read this blog are parents and elderly citizens in your community. They are concerned for the safety and well being of everyone in the neighborhood. What if a little kid had ran into the street to chase after a ball? What would have happened then when your friends were speeding at high speeds down a public thoroughfare? Would they still be innocent/not as guilty as John’Than is claiming they are?
I too have made mistakes in my youth (namely underage [excessive] drinking) but they NEVER endangered someone else’s life, only my own. I may even be guilty of speeding on the Viaduct, but at very late hours when there were absolutely no cars around me.
I feel deeply for you, your friends, and the injured parties’ families, but I do not believe that their injuries excuse them from the poor decision they made. Thank God they were wise enough to wear helmets, otherwise they most certainly would not have survived the crash and you would be mourning significant losses right now.
Please do not attack me for my opinions on this matter, there is no need. My one wish is that you take the anger you are wasting writing things on this blog, and put it to use toward helping your friends recover. If anything, shut your computers and comfort each other. Give a friend a hug. Tell your parents you love them. Go watch the sunset. Anything. Just treasure the days you are given and the people your are blessed to have around you. If anything, this should teach you that every day is a gift. Things happen for a reason, I hope this situation brings you wisdom and a renewed sense of life.
109 jm // Jun 30, 2009 at 5:49 pm
“no one wants to hear ur trivial complaints. Go back to idaho”
Grow up pal. You are a complete idiot.
110 Greenwood Resident // Jun 30, 2009 at 5:55 pm
John’than may be over the top in his ill will towards these reckless “kids” that have paid DEARLY for what responsibility that had, but COME ON!
When I read this news item , and I realize I only know only what little is available here, it made me very angry. Do I wish more pain upon them? No. But from the sound of it, the operator of the motorcycle was speeding and as such, being reckless with his life, his passenger’s life and everyone around him. This is what pisses me off every time I see someone speeding in my neighborhood or anywhere: THEIR RISKING THEIR LIFE AND OTHER’S LIVES.
80+ or whatever it was in a 30 mph zone? I see people speeding down my residential street in Greenwood all the time. There is children playing, pets everywhere, people backing out of driveways or just walking around. Risk your own life? GREAT.
DON’T RISK OTHER’S LIVES. You don’t have the right to.
I’m sorry for everyone involved in this, but sadly, people will still speed, drive recklessly, get hurt or sometimes kill people because they aren’t concerned about other people when they’re operating a vehicle or they are not paying attention. Harmless crazy young people kid stuff? Stop acting like these were children riding bicycles where they shouldn’t be.
Wake up/Slow down/Learn Something.
111 bia // Jun 30, 2009 at 6:04 pm
So “Bravo” wants to make a point about the mental age of graham who is clearly greiving for his friends and their loved ones. But what about the mental age of john’than. This cock sucker is 40+ years old and making innocent people (the motorcyclists family and friends) feel even worse about this situation.
You’re not doing the law any good, you’re not doing the family who was in the car any good, you’re not doing yourself any good, and sense you’ve already gotten the point across that reckless driving is often fatal and an obviously bad decision (which no one here is denying) you can make your exit. And if you really want to keep talking, I’m sure Graham could still make some time for you.
112 AC // Jun 30, 2009 at 6:08 pm
John’thon,
If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say it at all.
I think I speak for everyone when I say, yes, this is a free country but if you are going to be a complete ass, please, SHUT UP.
113 Casey Cass // Jun 30, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Go pray,
Dont preach to anyone. You are in no place to tell anyone what to do with there lives, and if i want to sit on my computer and defend them i can.
Have you never did anything that could have injured someone when u drank too much? If you drank as much as u said then you may have blacked out and not realized u were putting others in dangers.
PUH-LEASE everyone makes bad choices and sometimes they end bad. Mostly they dont, but this one did, and you should all be thankful that your bad decisions as a youth didnt end tragedy. For being so much older and wiser than all the “07 graduates” you lack emotional intelligence. Again shouldnt this elderly group of readers lived long enough and gained enough experiences to have some empathy and sypmpathy for everyone involved? I’m 20 and i would never dream of saying some of that foul sh*t a day after a horrible accident. Not only that, but to continue with the negativity after friends and family have come out and ask for it to stop? Why don’t you as an older person question why people in your age group are fighitng with 20 year olds?
As for your words of wisdom: Someone who is as obvioulsy short sighted and out of touch with others emotions should really focus on there on issues before pursuing such a laughty endeavor as what others should be doing with there lifes.
If you needed to add something shouldnt it have been like:
“my thoughts are with both parties i pray they recover”
or something like that instead of fueling the fire and scolding people who are on edge, young, and dealing with some intense sh*t
grow up my elderly friend!
114 Casey Cass // Jun 30, 2009 at 6:23 pm
lastly, Go Pray
the civility of this convo ended when comments about “getting what they deserved” and “i hope they can’t reattach the leg” started. Those, frankly, are fighting words, and those who say such words should be prepared to fight.
115 SGD // Jun 30, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Best wishes to your friends Casey.
You really should stop posting while being emotionally upset though. All the postering, man up comments, and challenges to a fight make you look like a fool. I can’t imagine you are one, but that is how you come across.
Spend your energy elsewhere - you are not doing yourself or your friends any favors here.
116 BALLARD07 // Jun 30, 2009 at 6:37 pm
HOW CAN HE NOT BE UPSET WHEN PEOPLE LIKE YOU ARE BEING SO INSULTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
117 Casey Cass // Jun 30, 2009 at 6:46 pm
SGD,
Unfortunelty I will not sit and let good people be wronged by jerks on the internet. Jerks who have nothing to do with the situation, and are attacking some guys that people I really care about care about. And I will not let bullies who dont know these people spin this and make them look like monsters.
If that makes me a fool so be it! However, I don’t know what’s more foolish, me standing up for people I know, or you adding more fuel to the fire when you should really just back off
118 LMR // Jun 30, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Why the hell doesn’t the police patrol these high risk areas more? More lives would be saved and I’m sure they’ll be making way more of their quota if they would stop focusing on less important areas.
119 LMR // Jun 30, 2009 at 6:55 pm
And I also think that people need to shift their focus of anger from the victims in the accident to the corruption of our police in washington state. How many times did an accident occur because of excessive in-car cell phone use or areas that the police have been warned about but yet they continue to ignore.
I think what’s best is to pray for the people caught up in this tragic accident to have a speedy recovery (I know the guy who lost his leg will have a harder life) and to just remember this next time they get behind the wheel because you are indeed driving a multiple-ton hunk of metal that WILL kill if you aren’t a cautious and courteous driver. Even MORE so considering there are people out there making unwise decisions behind the wheel (or motorcycle handles). We never know when our last day on earth is and I’m sure the people involved in this accident were convinced it was the end. And that’s a frightening thought that sends chill up my spine.
I will pray extra hard tonight for those involved in this tragic accident.
120 Ballard Resident // Jun 30, 2009 at 7:05 pm
I have with held from commenting about this but after reading these last few comments I need to say a few things. I know both guys.
How would shifting your focus to hating the police accomplish anything? That seems to be everyones solution. How will this help this situation? Cell phones were not involved!!!
This is an isolated terrible tragic series of events that know one would wish even on there most hated enemies.
People who do not know these guys can easily point to they were speeding and naturally the people who know these guys will defend them and get angry when you say such things.
Both sides… as I said earlier it is tragic plain and simple, everyone needs to learn from this. Placing blame on the Police, or what not only sets us further back… pray for there families and be respectful of all
121 etta // Jun 30, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Q: Is a driver allowed to turn left across a “normal” double yellow line (less than 18″ in width, not a designated median)?
A: Yes, State Patrol trooper Keith Trowbridge said.
It’s legal “as long as the solid lines are not more than 18 inches and there isn’t a restrictive sign,” he said. “They also have to be aware of blocking and hindering traffic laws.”
122 VoiceOfReason // Jun 30, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I saw this on the news this morning. My friends, it is tragic for all involved. For those who were on the motorcycle — if injury reports are correct — it’s highly unlikely they’ll be operating any vehicle more dangerous than a wheelchair for the next few years, if not their entire lives. I’m sorry for this, but the fact is there is zero margin for error when travelling at high speed. I had a good high school friend involved in a fatal accident (not to him, fortunately, though he suffered a severe head injury). He drooled for two years before his brain was back to normal, such as it was.
More depressing, of course we’re here in America, so it’s no one is ever going to accept responsibility for their actions. It’s always someone else’s fault.
123 Peter // Jun 30, 2009 at 7:58 pm
I just got back from seeing the boys.
They might have to take the second leg off the driver because its not circulating properly, they were doing a test to confirm when i had to leave. the other kid was showing progress and could move his arms but we still don’t know if he will be able to walk at all. I didn’t get to talk to either of them, most like they will be under an induced coma for the next two days.
124 Tiktok // Jun 30, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Motorcycles/bikes: risky.
Motorcycles at high speed/bikes: riskier.
Motorcycles/bikes at high speed in traffic: super risky.
Buy the ticket, ride the ride.
125 ballardmom // Jun 30, 2009 at 8:30 pm
I am completely saddened by the news of this accident. This is such a tragedy! I am a mother of a boy who grew up knowing these kids through school and through playing sports together. It is just very devastating. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you who know the two young boys.
126 Phinney Mom // Jun 30, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Peter, thanks for the update. That’s very sad.
Why don’t we all take a breather and stop posting for the night.
Something bad has happened to a couple of young people who made a mistake. It’s sad all around, no matter who’s to blame.
127 concerned // Jun 30, 2009 at 8:54 pm
I am so sorry for all those involved and affected by this horrible situation —
The young boys who are in the hospital suffering terrible injuries and paying a terrible price for a very bad decision… Fortunately they did *not* kill anyone, and will not have to carry that seriously heavy weight with them in addition to the struggle they are already having to face.
Those who were driving the car and other witnesses of this accident who, although they may have only sustained minimal physical injuries, will have the very deep and troubling mental scar of this terrible experience to remember for the rest of their lives…
The family and friends of the injured boys, who are clearly and very understandably traumatized and overwhelmed with worry for the well being of their loved ones…
The members of the community who are also clearly and very understandably traumatized and worried about the safety of their neighborhood and its residents…
And even to those who posted somewhat heavy-handed, unfavorable comments — whose capacity for compassion seems to have suffered at some point from emotional scars they themselves endured in their past… I am sorry you or anyone who has lost someone to a drunk or careless driver. That must have been a horrible experience that clearly still affects you.
I hope that anyone who is painfully aware and feels strongly about the dangers of reckless driving will be able to focus his or her outrage/energy on informing and educating the public in ways and at times when people are actually able to *listen* and NOT when they are in the throes of post traumatic stress…
Take care of yourselves and each other, and please please please everyone — learn the value of safety, caution and consideration in all of your actions.
128 anon // Jun 30, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Wow - a bunch of Seattlites (transplants or otherwise) arguing about who has the moral highground. Sprinkle in a little bible-thumping and “it’s the cops fault” and we have our selves a gen-u-ine post-o-rama.
And me with no popcorn. Dang.
Two words you don’t hear much in Seattle anymore: personal responsibility. If previous posts are accurate… a 20 year-old with minimal motorcycle experience on a brand new crotch-rocket, his 19 year old passenger (said 20 year-old wanted to impress), and a long-straight away, at dusk. The miracle would have been if something like this didn’t occur - sooner or later.
I’m sure these were both good kids, all things being relative. Riding a motorcycle and exercising bad judgment doesn’t make you a bad person. But it certainly can lead to bad consequences - life changing consequences, of which these boys, their friends, and their families are all now acutely aware.
Maybe John’than is insensitive. But he’s not wrong about the motorcycle driver being criminally negligent. And my agreeing with him on that point doesn’t mean I’m attacking or even passing judgment on the young man who made a poor decision he will certainly never forget. But the fact remains that he is responsible for that decision, as well as the consequences. Just as he is responsible for deciding to not take a motorcycle safety class, or any number of other actions that might have prevented this incident.
Of course we all take risks, and most of us have flirted with the margins or those risks at one point or another. It’s called life. And to say that these boys “deserved” this fate is unfair at best, and unnecessarily cruel at worst. So to their friends and family, and to the other family who were in the car (for their psychological injuries will certainly impact their lives as well), I extend my sincere thoughts and condolences.
I can only hope to teach my own children the adage that “a wise man learns from the mistakes of others, a fool learns from his own” - knowing full well that’s a lesson that must nevertheless come with some bumps and bruises along the way.
129 BTown // Jun 30, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Wow… 150 feet per second.
130 Paul // Jun 30, 2009 at 10:01 pm
I can’t imagine being on the internet when someone close to me has had a life threatening accident, talking about it with anonymous strangers.
131 iKnowthem // Jun 30, 2009 at 10:27 pm
I cant stand to keep reading these comments.
I grew up with one of them and have known the other through school. I cannot believe the ignorance I am seeing from some of you. You people who have talked badly about this situation, putting blame on one of the other, TELLING 07 WHAT THEY SHOULD BE DOING? …DO YOU THINK THEY HAVEN’T ALREADY DONE ALL OF THAT!!!???! come on. that is terrible. Making comments about the intelligence of these kids? and your telling them to grow up? to learn something?
maybe you should listen to your own advise. These boys yes made a mistake, yes the car did turn in front of them. 1+1= 2..
you people need to seriously stop and think..how hard it is for all of the people close to these boys AND the people in the car. and thank god it wasn’t you.
I loves these boys, and I having been praying none stop for them.
AND for those who think he wasn’t an experience rider…he grew up on bikes. He bought that bike. He loved it. He knew how to ride it, he was just having too much fun that unfortunately went terribly wrong. These boys were the last people to deserve something this horrifying.
Keep praying. I cant imagine what things will be like now. Stay strong LK and JM.
132 Tony // Jun 30, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Peter, thanks for the updates and keep them coming. We have no wish to intrude on the families during this terrible time. This is a time for only close friends and family to gather at the hospital. Though we are not there with them our thoughts, prayers, and hearts are focused on the recovery of these beautiful young men. As their conditions improve, we will all be there to support them during the long road to recovery.
Our thoughts, prayers and hearts are with them and their families during this terrible tragedy. Please convey the support of many of us who are following this comment board for updates.
BLane, Thank you.
To all you Monday afternoon quarterbacks out there: There may be a time and a place for comments like yours but this is not it. Leave the comments for those who care about their terribly injured loved ones.
133 Vicki // Jul 1, 2009 at 12:54 am
Check twice…save a bikers life.
134 jo nathon // Jul 1, 2009 at 5:30 am
Hey _ Johnathon my advise to you is to go and have a
mental health evaluation. You have issue
135 Andy // Jul 1, 2009 at 7:32 am
John’than,
I totally agree with you. The fellow on the motorcycle was acting stupid and is paying the price. This should serve as a good example of what not to do when riding a motorcycle.
I completely agree that it is hard to pity someone who was hurt because of stupid actions.
136 Don'tGetIt // Jul 1, 2009 at 7:38 am
I don’t get this. A few months back when a car was going to quickly around the greenwood library and crashed into it (or a bike rack) no one could care less about the driver, in fact it was more scorn that he should be punished. I just don’t get how this is any different. In fact, this one actually involved other peoples lives and hes getting more sympathy. If you play with fire and burn your house down, I’m sorry, but it is your fault. Don’t get me wrong, its sucks, but that’s life. They were your actions. Go ahead and pray all you want, sure pray for their recovery but also pray that no one else tries to do this kind of thing again!
137 dont be an ass // Jul 1, 2009 at 7:49 am
john’than and others- maybe you wouldn’t be so quick to be an ass if you actually knew the people involved. they were kids- yes kids who obviously made a mistake, like kids do. instead of saying how they deserve it you should be prying that the survive.
138 Neighbor // Jul 1, 2009 at 8:22 am
It’s a topsy-turvy world when the guys doing 90 mph are seen as the victims and the people they nearly killed are told to ‘Go back to idaho’.
Entitlement run amok.
139 J // Jul 1, 2009 at 9:10 am
Neighbor, you missed someone posting earlier claiming to be the passenger in the car who went on a tirade about being a victim in all this. It was disgusting, thus the responses. Also, the “90 mph” comments floating around are all guesses. Stop treating it as fact.
justdontgetit and others, leave the holier than thou comments elsewhere, folks. There’s not a single one of us who hasn’t made a bad decision while driving. Leave the families and friends to grieve in peace and take your moral high ground to some other blog.
140 steve // Jul 1, 2009 at 9:32 am
There is way too much speculation going on. We can tell they were speeding, how fast we don’t know. We know the car crossed in front of them, was it negligent we don’t know. To comment on or try and place blame on something none of you know anything about is foolish. Nothing good will come of this and to say everything happens for a reason is callous. Both of the kids are in for a long and painful recovery that will leave them scared and maimed. To place any judgment or attack the character of these two kids without knowing them or all of the facts, is irresponsible. as much as there perceived actions. To think that if you are concerned for there wellbeing, is somehow not concerned for public safety, is also an idiotic way of thinking. Please have some compassion for all the people involved and be thankful that it wasn’t even worse.
I was wrong; this may affect future behavior of all the people involved in this horrific incident.
141 Ian // Jul 1, 2009 at 9:44 am
I can’t believe some people are suggesting the car driver carries any blame for this. Disgusting. The selfish idiot riding the bike well in excess of the speed limit is entirely to blame - fortunately he only hurt himself and his unluckly passenger.
I do feel sorry for the passenger, not much he could have done even if he’d wanted to slow down.
142 B.Lane // Jul 1, 2009 at 10:29 am
Peter-
My husband talked to the drivers mom on the phone and will go visit the boys today.
143 L.K.S. // Jul 1, 2009 at 11:42 am
Although John’than’s choice of words were not ideal, he is correct this motorcyclist’s actions were criminal. John’than has every right to be angry with this motorcyclist. It could been him or his family in danger. In my opinion this motorcyclist is no different than a drunk driver.
Although, I am sadden that he and the passenger on his bike were seriously hurt, I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if that car was forward another 4 feet. The passenger would probably be seriously hurt or even dead. What about another 2 feet, that poor child could have been killed.
I have always felt that people who risk the lives of innocent people do not deserve my sympathy. However hearing that someone lost their leg really changes that perspective. Not to mention that he will have to live with the fact that he cause a friend to be paralized. It’s much easier to hate someone who is dead than someone who is wounded and will have to live with their mistakes.
144 anonymous // Jul 1, 2009 at 12:44 pm
I just have to say…I know these kids too. And yes, they are good kids and no, they definitely didn’t deserve this. I feel so sad for them.
But at the same time - and I know this is not a great time to point this out (I apologize) - some of the kids on here are defending them…maybe a little too much. Yes, they did make a really tragic mistake and deserve to be forgiven for it, but what if the situation were reversed and L and J were like this because of someone else speeding? I have a feeling some people on here would be singing a different song. What if that baby in the backseat of the car had died? The motorcyclists are so lucky that no one else had to pay the price for their recklessness. They would be feeling ten times worse…and only the people at fault should have to pay here.
The motorcycle driver made the choice to risk his own life by speeding. And in the process, he made the choice to risk the lives of others. Of course he didn’t mean for this to happen. But he knew it was a possibility and yet disregarded that.
Again, I’m definitely not saying that these two kids deserve their injuries. But the family in the car was definitely NOT at fault here - it was reasonable for them to see a motorcycle x feet away and assume that they had time to turn, because if L had been going the speed limit, they probably would have. And they stopped because that’s what anyone would have done - deer in the headlights, the motorcycle is coming too fast. If L had been going any slower, he probably would have been able to easily go around the hood of the car and avoid any accident.
If the car hadn’t stopped - if they had pulled out any further - the motorcycle probably would have hit somewhere in the middle of the car, killing or severely injuring someone inside.
And one more time - please don’t leave some comment here saying that I’m hateful or something, because I’m not. This is such a tragic accident…I couldn’t fall asleep for hours last night thinking about L and J. I just wanted to try and…put it in perspective a little.
145 Anne // Jul 1, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Why “what if” a situation that has already occured and the basic facts are known?
Again, you cant be mad about what COULD have happened because it DIDNT.
And if I see anyone coming at me too fast I get out of the way because I know they cant stop.
I feel horrible for the guys and their families. My thoughts are with them.
There is always more to a story and Im more pissed off about that part of the story.
146 K.M.Y // Jul 1, 2009 at 2:00 pm
*Update*
Spoke with a friend who went to visit LK in the hospital yesterday….LK’s critical but stable, had surgery yesterday to fix both femurs - one leg was severed below the knee (i think its the right one, not positive)…they removed glass shards that were embedded in his neck from the windshield…minimal head trauma, but a few fractures in the neck (no spinal damage from what they can see)…right arm is broken, and the only internal trauma he heard of was a ruptured spleen and bruised lungs…LK’s brother also just said that LK has been responsive to the nurse’s request to move his hands, etc when asked…
my take on the situation…
was it wreckless driving? -yes
was it criminal to go that fast on greenwood? - yes
do i have tolerance for that type of behavior? -nope
did the driver of the vehicle fail to yield? -possibly…but judging the speed of an oncoming car is hard enough, doing it for a bike is damn near impossible sometimes (and i ride bikes…plenty of close calls), so i can’t hold much fault on the driver
but although i have no tolerance for this type of behavior like the much hated john’than, i still feel it necessary to show compassion to all involved parties
147 ballardgrad // Jul 1, 2009 at 2:32 pm
i drove by this on the night it happened and was very disturbed by the wreckage i saw….needless to say…its a horrible tragedy and i feel sorry for EVERYONE involved. theres no need to place blame….those who did wrong and risked their lives were already punished for a horrible mistake…and thats all it was, a lapse in judgment that we have all made before. i dont know these kids personally but went to ballard as well and had people in my class get seriously hurt and even die or kill other people while making stupid mistakes. we should all be thankful that no one was killed and pray for the families and friends of those that were seriously injured. and this comes from someone that has had a family member killed by a drunk driver….forgive but never forget. these boys will have to live with this for the rest of their lives….as well as the family that was hit by the motorcycle. my prayers and thoughts go out to the boys and the other family involved…
148 etta // Jul 1, 2009 at 2:56 pm
K.M.Y.: Well-said.
149 BHS Grad // Jul 1, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Some of these comments are out of line and rather heartless, yes they made a mistake, ok get over it i went to school with the two motorcyclists not to mention were friends outside of school, and when i heard what had happened i was rather shocked and scared for both of them, they paid the price in dramatic fassion and will have to live with being paralyzed and missing limbs not to mention what damage was done to the rest of their bodies. From what ive read from above im surprised to see the compassion that Ballardites have lost since i’ve left for college. Im embarrassed to call my self a native of ballard from some of you people. Show some heart and hope that the people involved come out as normal as possible beyond what they have already experienced.
150 Rose // Jul 1, 2009 at 4:02 pm
So much misinformation, it’s mind blowing. Cardinal rule number 2, don’t talk about what you don’t know to be fact and don’t speculate to pontificate. You know who you are.
Now, I’m going to see LK and family. I wish the other victims and famlies invloved peace and solace during these difficult times.
151 Wolf // Jul 1, 2009 at 5:07 pm
The point is that people are responsible for their decisions. This wasn’t an “accident” in the sense the word is normally used; this was the result of a conscious decision. “I’m going to drive really fast because it will be really cool.” The driver is responsible, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have sympathy.
152 Another Kid // Jul 1, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Everyone makes mistakes, young men on motorcycles seem to be more tempted than others. Unless you where at the scene of the accident you have no right to come to conclusions about who was or wasn’t at fault, both riders are from the Ballard neighborhood and deserve their privacy.
Although this is a section designated for commenting, I would hope people would have the heart to think of those injured rather than waste all our time arguing about the specifics of the accident none of you are aware of…
John’than: you should be ashamed of how utterly disrespectful you are, those injured are barely adults and i’m sure you’d act differently if you’re kids are ever involved in a fatal accident. If not then you can look forward to burning in hell.
153 THEONEWHOKNOWS // Jul 1, 2009 at 6:45 pm
p.s. the driver of the car made an illegal turn over two yellow double lines. I am in no way blaming this on the car driver, but i am saying stuff like this happens, and no matter how you are feeling have some sympathy for those who are injured in any accident. Even if they were drunk. My sister got into a car accident caused by a drunk driver, and I never ONCE thought one negative thought about them.. just hoped that they were okay. Maybe all you assholes can learn from me. The polie report hasnt even come out yet for gods sake so i would keep all other comments to yourself. I will write to every single person who wrote a negative comment. Karma will come back to you.
154 Mister // Jul 1, 2009 at 6:54 pm
You know, you do your friends no good by threatening people with violence here on the blog.
155 jen // Jul 1, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Theonewhoknows!
You are only lowering yourself to the ones your F%ckin towards. You may be mad be seriously no need to throw the F word to every person you disagree with. That just makes you look stupid.
156 Bella // Jul 1, 2009 at 7:55 pm
“Two solid yellow lines between lanes of traffic
means neither side can pass. You may cross yellow lane
markings, except medians, to turn left if it is safe.”
This is on pg. 31 of the Washington Driver Guide, found here.
Perhaps it will clarify the issue of whether or not the car was making a legal left turn.
There is no way for any of us to know if it was “safe” to make that left turn until authorities have determined at what speed the motorcycle was really traveling.
Otherwise, I do not believe there are any signs or other indications that vehicles may not turn left here. I have not, however, been to the scene since it happened, but I do live nearby and drive up and down Greenwood frequently.