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Motorcycle Rider Dies in Accident Save Email Print
Posted: 6:51 AM May 1, 2008
Last Updated: 1:16 PM May 1, 2008
Email Address: news@kake.com

A | A | A

A Butler County man is dead after losing control of his motorcycle just east of Towanda last night.

The accident happened at about 10:15 p.m. at Old 254 Highway and Ohio Street.

Butler County Sheriff officials say 47-year-old Duane Cool of El Dorado was driving east on Old 254 when strong winds may have caused him to lose control.

Cool was thrown from his motorcycle and later pronounced dead at the scene.

This is the third fatal accident in the Wichita area within the past three days. In all, four people have died.

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Posted by: Bek Location: Wichita on May 16, 2008 at 02:29 PM
i loved my dad very much and duane was my father. he did die doin what he loved and that bike was his pride and joy. he was happy and i miss him so and the whole helmet thing is retarded and im even writin an essay on it for my english.

Posted by: Kimberly Location: Augusta Georgia on May 2, 2008 at 08:11 PM
I have never met Duane before but from what I have herd of him in the last few days he was quite a guy. Duanes daughter Angie has been dating my brother for a while. It is a shame that so many people are getting into accidents. I will definatly pray for David, Angie and all the family members.

Posted by: Kayarden on May 2, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Another motorcycle accident in Newton yesterday has left a man dead after he was removed from life support. He was not wearing a helmut. So sad for his family. Apparently a gust of wind caught him when he was riding home after work.

Posted by: Betty Location: Wichita on May 2, 2008 at 02:09 PM
I grew up with Duane sister.He was a very sweet boy. My heart goes out to all his family. My prayers are with you.

Posted by: Michelle Location: Wichita on May 2, 2008 at 09:05 AM
I haven't know Duane for a very long time. My brother has been dating his daughter forever it seems like. My husband knew him more because he worked with him. My prayers go out to Angie, David, and all the family members and that we will keep you in our prayers. At least he did die doing something he loved!!

Posted by: Mrs. Eaton(Gardner) Location: Udall.Kansas on May 2, 2008 at 07:20 AM
My heart goes out to the family of Duane.Although I am from El Dorado I did not know him but my sister is his age so she probably does,anyway Kansas is one of the few states that has a no helmet law for riders i believe over 16,quote me if i am wrong but that is why we have Abate and why we fight the right choose everyday it is your choice(the rider)I have rode most my life and I always preferred not to wear oneI have lost several friends over the years from motorcycle accidents some had helmets and some did not but i actually know of a few that would died and the helmet had no effect what so ever,at this moment in time as far as this man goes it was his choice so be it,the other thing i do agree with from another writer is the apparel some choose while riding,Leather is a must and proper shoes eating asphalt is anything but fun,be smart when considering riding apparel,it could save your life.In Kansas we have a right to choose it is one of a very few choices we have left.Thanks,ABATE!!

Posted by: Teresa Location: Wichita on May 1, 2008 at 10:42 PM
I am writing this because I believe you should know Duane. I have known him for 22 1/2 years and was married to him for awhile and am the mother of his children. He was the safest rider I have ever known. He had a zest for life and lived everyday the way he wanted. He would have never approved of a helmet law of any kind. We were told a helmet would not have made a difference in his case. My cousin wore a helmet and he died anyway. I myself feel it should be a freedom of choice. His children feel he died doing something that he loved to do and "that" is all that matters to them. They don't want him to be remembered for a "Helmet Debate." Remember Duane for being himself in all aspects of his life. That is what "he" would have wanted. Thank-you for your time.

Posted by: lee Location: eldorado on May 1, 2008 at 07:20 PM
It is sad to hear another fellow rider has died do to an accident.The reports on all of the motorcyle accidents state no helmets . However when a manufacture tell you to discard a helmet if it falls from three feet. what makes you think people will wear them at 65mph they won't save anything other than make a container to pick up.Look at the clothing worn also tennis shoes are not proper footwear, leather shoe will a heal that way the foot stays put on the pegs. once you loose footing some panic putting a foot down then it is all over. Short when it is warm flip flops these are all things I see as a rider that young and some older groups do but those who have been a long time biker or enthusiast know better. If people continue to by motorcycles they need to pay more attention to what the riding gear pertains to.

Posted by: Jay Location: Wichita on May 1, 2008 at 04:00 PM
I ride myself. It was just to windy to be on the highway yesterday, or today in my opinion. In the city you would probably be alright. Seems these other accidents were people going faster than they can handle. I think that one accident had 3 people on one bike! As motorcycle riders we need to think about what we are doing a little more, we are giving ourselves a bad name. Hence, read the other article were some jerk (to put it mildly) named Steve said "thin the herd" The way some of these idiots think in Kansas, I am scared they may start proposing the anti-motorcycle bill. Think, ride in defense, assume they dont see you and be safe.

Posted by: Harry Location: Derby on May 1, 2008 at 11:40 AM
I worked with the man. He had just left another co-workers house, and was heading home. He had been riding motorcycles as long as I've known him, at least 16 years.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 1, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Hey guys its actually four deaths the husband of the girl on webb road accident has pasted too

Posted by: Jason Location: Kansas on May 1, 2008 at 10:49 AM
I believe helmets are important, and can make a difference in some accidents. But also we Motorcycle riders need to be smart when we get on our bikes. We need to ride within our means, ride smart, and take into consideration the conditions we are riding in. Obviously, if the motorcycle is a persons only mode of transportation picking what conditions you ride in can be difficult. However, I personally avoid riding at night and in winds of 30 mph or more if at all possible. With this all said my thoughts are with those who lost family members and friends the last couple of day. Ride Safe!!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 1, 2008 at 10:10 AM
and this is why i wear a full face helmet. Id like to possibly have a chance with the drivers out there. My thoughts are with the familys of those lost.

Posted by: Tim Location: Wichita on May 1, 2008 at 09:27 AM
4 motorcycle fatalities in 3 days. No helmets. While I support people's right to choose whether to wear a helmet or not, I'm betting the families of these four wish they'd made a different choice.

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