WIBW Your Way
Capture Kansas
Got a great shot?
send us your photos
13 On Your Cell
Stay in touch
Anywhere you go
Desktop Alert
Up to the minute
Right on your screen
WIBW Widgets
Put it on your blog
or home page
RSS Feeds
Keep up with the
latest headlines
Online Poll
Should Gov. Sebelius have vetoed the Economic Stimulus bill to stop the Coal Plants?

No, the Economic Stimulus package was too important
Yes, the Coal Plant should not have been included with the Stimulus bill
She should have approved the plant from the beginning
The stimulus bill should have been rejected anyway
Don't know/ care


Late Night Motorcycle Accident Kills a Shawnee County Man Save Email Print
Posted: 7:26 AM May 12, 2008
 Last Updated: 3:20 PM May 12, 2008
63 comments Photos

A | A | A

A late night accident has left a Topeka motorcyclist dead after he hit a car on his motorcycle.

The car was attempting a U-Turn on the bridge near K-4 and Seward in Topeka according to authorities working the scene.

The motorcycle hit the car towards the back of the driver's side as it came from behind the car.

State Trooper Eric Hirst says the driver "didn't really know where he was and was just trying to find his way back to the interstate." Hirst also said the driver is from Texas.

The man on the motorcycle was not wearing a helmet according to Hirst.

Neither person in the car is reported to have suffered injuries.

Authorities have not released the name of the motorcyclist yet, pending notification of family.
Email  del.icio.us   Google   Yahoo  digg
Click Pictures to Enlarge
More Stories
Rosa's Mexican Restaurant to Close

State Employees getting Pay Raises

Topeka's Fifth Murder Victim ID'd

Gas $1.04 in Kansas City

 Kan. Supreme Ct. Overturns Death Sentence

KCK Man to be Sentenced For Fatal Pit Bull Attack

Cozy Home Rental Management Cuts the Ribbon

Father Jailed Over Daughter's Truancy to be Freed

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: dustin jessepe Location: topeka on May 15, 2008 at 06:08 PM
for those of you who knew aaron there is a petition going around at the whiplash bar to be signed to hopefully get some lights put up where the sccident happened. i'm sure you can go up there and ask someone who works there about the petition. may god bless you aaron you're a great man and could always make us laugh and smile at work. it'll never be the same at work with out you man.
Posted by: Rickozhog Location: Topeka on May 15, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Tomorrow we all gather to pay our respect s to a fellow biker. I live near where Aaron did,knew him many years, ride myself, and have ridden the Tecumseh area for years. Where Aaron died is a dangerous roadway. I fully agree that driver needs to be charged and prosecuted. I've heard talk of the need for lights in that area. I for one am going to contact Ann Mah, state rep. for the area, and urge all who knew Aaron to contact their local officials to get this done, in Memory of Aaron.
Posted by: Sarah Location: Lecompton, KS on May 14, 2008 at 07:41 PM
I just want to say that the people who are throwing a fit about him not wearing a helmet are obviously not familiar with Kansas laws. RIP Aaron, you will be greatly missed.
Posted by: Dan Location: Topeka on May 14, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Aaron rode his last 1/4 mile on K-4 and met his distany. The Texas driver could have drove 1/4 mile futher to prevent tragedy. Street lights may have prevented his death, not a piece of plastic they call a helmet. Ride Free
Posted by: Mark Location: Topeka on May 14, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Helmet or no Helmet really doesnt matter. Im sick of the police and news reports always so wanting to make that statement like it really matters. If you want to make riders wear vests and helmets then cars should have roll cages and firesuits. You can only protect idiots from themselves for so long. Fact is the person in that car was driving Illegally. Now a daughter has to grow up without her father.. I didnt know Aaron personally but have heard many good things.. RIP My prayers to the family!!!
Posted by: Larry Location: Topeka on May 13, 2008 at 07:37 PM
America...Land of the free? All these bleeding hearts want laws passed because THEY THINK they are a good idea. Arron was a very skilled ridder and knew the dangers of WEARING a helment. They do not protect the neck, spine, rib cage,ect. They do limit hearing, vision, and add weight for the neck to support in a wreck. Aaron was over 21 and had the American right to chose for himself. We will always miss you Aaron
Posted by: Dave Location: Topeka on May 13, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Helmets may or may not save a life. But HELMETS WON'T fix STUPID car drivers. Why doesnt anyone ever talk about fixing the problem. Helmets wont fix the problem. I wear a helmet, does that mean I wont get run over by a car or truck? I could only wish. I feel like "fair game" to all the 4 wheelers on the road, cause they feel they dont have to PAY ATTENTION. Cell phones should be illegal to use while driving. Kill a BIKER go to JAIL!
Posted by: Pam Location: Topeka on May 13, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Aaron you touched so many peoples lives in so many ways. I'll never forget you. I My heart and prayers go out to your little girl and family.
Posted by: chelsea Location: topeka on May 13, 2008 at 05:25 PM
i knew aron since i was a baby he would go to my grandpa n grandma's bar buyen me stuff n he used to play with me.. the driver that killed aron should have to pay b/c aron never deserved to die in pain you n ur family will be in my prayers aron thank u for every thang u did for me me n my dad n mom n grandma n grandpa will never for get u bebe rip you will be in my heart for ever!!!
Posted by: Connie Location: Topeka on May 13, 2008 at 02:57 PM
I've known Aaron since he was a little "Knothead." The world will miss you! I pray for your little girl. Stupid accidents like this is one reason we quit riding. Florida drivers are worse than Texans! It's not just the u-turn but BACKING UP ON A HIGHWAY? What the hell were they thinking? They need to pay dearly for what they've done. A helmet may or may not have helped. This is still a free country and helmets aren't mandatory here. Whether or not he wore one is NOT the issue. The people's STUPIDITY is. Their bad decision to back-up on a highway is no different than the bad decision to drive drunk and kill someone. City of Topeka, you lost a good employee. Put some lighting out there so no more people have to die. RIP
Posted by: charlene on May 13, 2008 at 01:28 PM
My prayers go out to the family. Aaron was always so much fun & will be missed "hoorribly" He even taught me how to ride. RIP my friend!
Posted by: Mondo Nottestad Location: Carbondale on May 13, 2008 at 01:07 PM
Aaron was my uncle ..... He will be greatly missed by family and friends....R.I.P
Posted by: tickedoff on May 13, 2008 at 01:04 PM
I did not know Aaron but my heart goes out to his family and friends. That bridge is just a million accidents waiting to happen. Those Texans should have to pay. My dad rides a Harley and he never wears a helmet but hes got experience which it sounds like Aaron did as well. Its just to bad those idoits didnt have experience in U turns. As i said before my heart goes out to this family it is truely a tragedy.
Posted by: Bert Location: Emporia on May 13, 2008 at 11:56 AM
AARON, WE WILL MISS RACING AND HANGING OUT AT THE TRACK WITH YOU! OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR DAUGHTER & FAMILY. THERE SHOULD DEFINITELY BE CHARGES BROUGHT AGAINST THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE, INATTENTIVE DRIVING & MANSLAUGHTER, FOR EXAMPLE! I KNOW FOR A FACT THERE IS NO HELMET LAW IN KANSAS, AND THAT IS NOT A CRIME, BUT IT SHOULD BE A CRIME TO MAKE A U-TURN ON A BRIDGE. PLEASE DON'T LET THAT GUY GET OFF FOR TAKING THE LIFE OF A MAN. IGNORANCE OF THE LAW IS NO EXCUSE!!
Posted by: angie Location: topeka on May 13, 2008 at 11:47 AM
what does wearing a helmet help if a person illegelly backs up on a highway and runs over a biker. First were told it is because a driver made a u turn on a hiway now i hear this driver was driving in reverse on this hiway. This driver needs to go to jail for a real long time. No matter if it was a uturn or driving in reverse i believe he should pay. I hope he has nightmares the rest of his life. Our prayers are with your family Aaron, all the childern in our community will miss all you done for them.
Posted by: mylloyd Location: Topeka on May 13, 2008 at 07:40 AM
Will miss you,Rip Aaron.
Posted by: Cherylene Location: Topeka on May 13, 2008 at 07:14 AM
What we should be thinking about is a mom lost her son on Mothers day and a daughter lost her dad. All the other crap can come later. I THINK WE ALL AGREE, "WHY WOULD YOU DO A U-TURN AT NIGHT ON A BRIDGE"???? RIP Aaron
Posted by: Kris Location: Topeka on May 13, 2008 at 04:50 AM
I have a metal plate and six screws in my neck thanks to an out of town motorist who didn't realize it was a one way. Ignorance and being lost are NOT valid excuses! The person responible for this had better be charged. RIP Aaron "Knothead" I will never forget you!
Posted by: Steven Location: Topeka on May 13, 2008 at 01:02 AM
Safety equipment is a legitimate discussion however, the discussion is scewered when the media (crediting the police) only report one side of the argument. I have been voicing this argument in several states. The Police report, and the media parrots, only that the victim, motorcycle OR car, wasn't wearing "whatever safety equipment". The Police and the media don't make it a point to report when the victim WAS wearing safety equipment (helmets or seatbelts). WHY? Why doesn't the fair and impartial media report the facts when safety equipment was in use? Second, if personal safety IS the actual goal, and since over 50% of all auto accident deaths are attributed to head injuries, why aren't helmets proposed for automobiles also? They're required in all forms of competition, just as they are for motorcycles. Quit being a parrot of the beauracratic establishment. Report the whole truth. And while your at it, look at the disparity in punishments when cyclists are killed by automobiles.
Posted by: Delton Location: Topeka on May 13, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Rode with you here . I'll ride with you there ! I know you and Denna are riding that Harley in the SKY RIP Bro
Posted by: Larry Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 11:31 PM
Arron YOU MY BRO WILL BE MIST FOR SHUR!!!!! LOVE YOU
Posted by: Larry Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Why are ther no lights on that bridge is not the fist acc. on ther what the heck is wrong with are GOV. too many parking lot's down town were nobody goes anyway
Posted by: Stephen Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 11:08 PM
For one...Those people in that car dumb enough to stop in the middle of a dark bridge to spin around should get fined, and jailed. Second...if you don't ride bikes, then don't talk. This man knew how to drag race bikes. He sure in the heck knew how to ride. To bad the people from Texas don't know how to drive or what they just toke away with no sympathy what so ever.
Posted by: chris&cindy Location: rossville,ks on May 12, 2008 at 10:52 PM
We have known Aaron since he was 15 yrs.old and can't see him as a person who would want to see a helmet law in this state. Aaron was a great caring guy and we will always have many great thoughts and memories of him.The good die YOUNG and AARON was and will always be remembered as A GOOD MAN. HE WOULD NOT WANT A HELMET LAW BECAUSE OF HIM! A poll on helmets is not cool. He is a very loved person in and around the Kansas area. Leave Him Be. HE WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED BY MISSED BY MANY
Posted by: Tonia Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 10:39 PM
I watched your news this evening and read your report on the internet. I am curious why it seems to matter more if the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet than it does if the individual that attempted the u-turn in front of him was making a legal or illegal turn. "Was that individual making the u-turn wearing a seat belt"? or are we not concerned about that because they were not injured or KILLED? I am sick and tired of hearing about the seatbelt or no seatbelt and the helmet or no helmet, start giving a crap about the individual that just died and their families.
Posted by: Wards Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 10:36 PM
The Biker I saw you, hug your purse closer to you in the grocerystore line. But you didn't see me, put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday. I saw you, pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But, you didn't see me, playing Santa at the local mall. I saw you, change your mind about going into the restaurant. But, you didn't see me, attending a meeting to raise more money for the Hurricane relief. I saw you, roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by. But, you didn't see me, riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window. I saw you, frown at me when I smiled at your children. But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless. I saw you, stare at my long hair. But, you didn't see me, and my Friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love. I saw you, roll your eyes at our leather jackets and gloves. But, you didn't see me, and my brothers donate our old ones
Posted by: d jessepe Location: topeka on May 12, 2008 at 10:24 PM
i worked with aaron for the past 2 1/2 months i've learned more from him then anyone else i've known in my years at my job. hell be missed by all who knew him and were touched but this awsome person. if you ride you should decide, and not let some liberal hippy who also wants to put a control on your guns and what you can watch on tv and listen to on the radio decide what you do in life. this isnt a helmet issue this is people who dont know what there talking about issue.
Posted by: Bruce Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 10:17 PM
Whether or not he was wearing a helmet is a moot point. I have to wonder why the car driver has not bee cited. We leadrned in drivers ed that it is illeagal to do a uturn on a bridge. Therefore the auto driver is nclearly in the wrong. It appears to be another case of not even a slap on the wrist for taking a bikers life.
Posted by: Codi Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Poor judgement?! How about the judgement of the person driving the car that did a u turn and killed someone? That was poor judgement! Aaron was an experienced rider, but experience can't save you from idoit drivers who don't pay attention. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends who lost a very special person.
Posted by: scott Location: topeka on May 12, 2008 at 09:50 PM
This was a trained perfessional motorcycle driver. He raced his harleys professionally. This has nothing to do with his driving without a helmet, he knew how to drive his bike safely with or without wearing a helmet. The person who done this is totaly responsible. Our hearts are with his family. Make drivers watch out for bikers and we would have less motorcycle accidents. Punish those who dont watch out for us bikers. We have a right to ride as you do to drive.
Posted by: David Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 09:38 PM
I went to school with Aaron he was a damn fine man God be with him and his family Dave Edwards
Posted by: Anonymous on May 12, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Rickozhog, Jessica, Herman,I think you all said it best; May God bring peace and understanding to all involved. Mark D (and others)you make a perfect point as well, (KILL A BIKER GO TO JAIL). The same as if that person had fired a gun at random and killed someone. Dee, and "Anonymous" As I said, the offer is good anytime you would like to walk (ride/drive)in my shoes.
Posted by: Friends Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 05:39 PM
Why does "Not wearing a helmet" trump U turn on a bridge, what are you thinking?? This texan should be locked up for what he has done, not having the media stand up for him because he was "lost". He was lost, killed a biker, now we are all lost because we lost a brother forever, the texan will recover alot faster than Aarons family and friends. Remember what the "Bikers" do for the community, how much for local and national charities. Maybe then you fools will remember to watch for us and not snub your noses! It may be your family asking us for help someday. Helmet or no helmet, texan killed our friend and should be held accountable. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends, Aaron you will be missed and never forgotten.
Posted by: the king family Location: topeka on May 12, 2008 at 04:50 PM
RIP Aaron .... You will be missed by alot of people May God watch over your family.
Posted by: rick t on May 12, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Aaron was a good man positive respectful and lot of laughs my heart goes out to his little girl he loved her so.His death like his first wife is a tragic accident.God calls the good ones first.
Posted by: Jessica Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 04:40 PM
My heart goes out to his family. This is a real tradegy. Aaron will be missed by so many. And to his family, may God give you strength to get through this hard time. Aaron rest in peace!
Posted by: Choice Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 04:38 PM
I would like to see all of you that like to talk crap on bikers wearing helments, ride around with one on your head while driving your convertables, sunroofs. open and tops off. Its not about helments its about people who don't follow the laws of the road. So if you want to wear a helment while cruising around town in your car, go for it. But you do not have the right to tell us to. You all just need to learn how to pay attention to other motorist on the road, then we wouldn't be getting hit and killed by people like you. Live to ride Ride to live. Freedom of choice.
Posted by: Mark D Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 04:09 PM
To all you people talking about making us who ride were helmets. Most likley have never rode a motorcycle. It would not have helped Aaron at all. The moron driving the car should do some hard time but most likley he will not do any time. I have known Aaron for over 20 years he was a great guy. I will miss him and the motorcycle community will miss him. AHDRA community will miss him. My prayers are with his daughter and family. REST IN PEACE BROTHER SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE WELL GO RIDING (KILL A BIKER GO TO JAIL)
Posted by: Tears from Heaven Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 03:52 PM
My heart goes out to Aaron's family and friends. Aaron has touched many lives and will be missed. Not even someone with a helment could have survived at the hands of a driver who got there license from the local dollar store. I don't wear a helment when I ride, but I also don't make u-turns in the middle of a bridge. This is not a helment issue this is a ignorant person that does not know how to drive. They should be held accountable for it. That driver has caused ALOT of sadness in many. Aaron was a wonderful man and knew how to ride. My thoughts and prayers to all who's been hurt. My heart goes out to you. RIP Aaron for you are loved by many and will be missed by ALL. God Bless
Posted by: Rickozhog Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 03:32 PM
RIP Arron, may the Lord watch over your family and comfort them.
Posted by: Spectre Location: Kansas on May 12, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Before people with no idea what it's like to ride start harping on how all accidents are the riders fault and how we should all be forced to wear helmets, I would like to offer my helmet to you for one week. Strap it on, and do your cage driving for a week. If the loss of your hearing and peripheral vision doesn't CAUSE you to get into an accident, You can keep it. It's worth $200.00. Just remember, that if you do get into an accident, the extra 3 pound weight strapped to your head may snap your neck in the sudden stop.
Posted by: Tim Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 03:13 PM
This man was a great guy and will be missed by ALL!!! The driver should be charged with vehicular manslaughter!!!
Posted by: Karen Location: Oklahoma on May 12, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Why do you always make a big issue out of someone not wearing a helmet when the other driver was clearly in the wrong but you make it sound like everything was the motorcyle drivers fault because he was not wearing a helmet. That is just wrong the people in the vehicle that caused the wreck should be the ones to take the blame. It doesn't matter if you had put a helmet on the motorcyle driver that would not have stopped the accident and from the looks of the bike it would not have saved his life either. But had the other driver been paying attention that would have saved his LIFE !!!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: wichita ks on May 12, 2008 at 02:52 PM
this was my cousin. his father also is a bike rider. I see alot of stupid drivers in my time. tell me was the driver blond? who besides this guy does a u-turn in the middle of the bridge? back road or not, do it at the outer side. or find a drive way. he'd still be here.
Posted by: Spectre Location: Kansas on May 12, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Spinning this event into a political agenda to support helmet laws is not only hateful but ludicrous. Wearing a helmet is not the same thing as wearing a seat belt.
Posted by: Big Dog Location: Topeka,Kansas on May 12, 2008 at 02:33 PM
The is a very sad day when a man dies, because of someone making a illegal U turn. People driving cars SIMPLY DO NOT LOOK for MOTORCLYCLES......This is NOT a HEMET issue... This is some IDIOT not paying attention to his surroundings and KILLED somebody on a Motorcycle. We ride We decide!!!!!!! All we ask is watch out for us, cause WE are always LOOKING out for you........
Posted by: Terri & Clark Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 02:14 PM
My husband rides a motorcycle and I worry about the helmet issue too, but I worry more about the drivers who pay no attention to motorcycles. Arron was a dad and he died on Mothers day. Right now thats what we need to remember.
Posted by: dd Location: topeka on May 12, 2008 at 02:13 PM
sounds like there are people out there that don't ride but they want to decide for us. cage drivers that don't know where they are should stay off the road. better yet "go back to Texas and stay there." may you have nite mares of turnning around on a bridge that is illegal to do
Posted by: Anonymous on May 12, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Helmets should definately be required by law. i feel for the man's family i really do. but like many others said poor judgement was on his part.
Posted by: outlaw on May 12, 2008 at 01:04 PM
RIP Brother,we are both Free...
Posted by: Michelle Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 12:59 PM
This Is Not A HELMET Issued! This Is About A driver that did a illegal Turn!
Posted by: Coleen Karten on May 12, 2008 at 12:23 PM
I would have to say let those who ride decide, the fault lies with the driver of the car, he'd best have good insurance for what he's done. No helmet could have helped this situation.
Posted by: angie Location: topeka on May 12, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Wearing a helmet is not the issue. Motorists are never cautious when it comes to someone on motorcycles. I now this person and all the people he rides with and they are always caring people. They ride with care and would do anything for people in the communtiy. My prayers are with his family. He was a great person.
Posted by: Mickey Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 12:00 PM
The helmet isn't the factor here its the illegal U turn that is the factor.Why do people want to control other people? If you ride , You decide!
Posted by: Shawn Location: topeka on May 12, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Dose the Texas Driving handbook let you make U turns on bridges? I think motocycles always get the bad rap for not wearing a helmet. But why don't the driver get the rap.If he haddn't made a u turn the man would still be alive.Its the vehicles that seem to not think!!!
Posted by: Herman Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Rest in Peace with Denna my brother, I will miss you, H.
Posted by: Dee Location: Kansas on May 12, 2008 at 11:24 AM
I agree bb...If we get ticketed for not wearing our seatbelt, motorcyclists should get ticketed for not having a helmet, that is essentially their only safety feature. My prayers are with family. Motorcyclists, please wear your helmets! If not for yourself, at least for your loved ones that want you here with them.
Posted by: dave t Location: topeka ks on May 12, 2008 at 11:01 AM
never make a u turn on a highway this is what happens rest in peace bro...
Posted by: Anonymous on May 12, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Motorists should always be aware of what is surrounding them no matter whether they are "lost" or not . There is really no excuse for the motorist other then just pure ignorance .
Posted by: Anonymous on May 12, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Was it true? U turn on the bridge. Hang him.
Posted by: Ted Location: Tapuka on May 12, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Simply Tragic
Posted by: Chuck Location: Topeka on May 12, 2008 at 09:23 AM
RIP my friend
Posted by: bb Location: topeka on May 12, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Helmet usage should be mandatory in the State of Kansas. Motorist have to buckle up and helmets are essentially a cyclists "safety mechanism".
Heartland Visioning Button
 
Home - Local - U.S. & World - Weather - Sports - Political - Money/Stocks - Blogs - Meet the Team -
Mr. Food Recipes - KS Prep Zone - Shopping Plaza - Classifieds - Coupons - Programming - 13 On Your Cell -
Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - EEO Statement - FCC Form 388
Gray Television Group, Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2008 - Designed and Powered by Clickability
Contact Us