Austin, Texas MCL rider identified

[Red Brown]

Motorcyclist who died in Christmas evening collision identified

By Joshunda Sanders | Thursday, December 27, 2007, 08:15 AM

A 41-year-old man who died from his injuries after the motorcycle he was riding struck a van in North Austin has been identified this morning as Gerald V. Bartholomew, according to Austin Police Department spokesman Sgt. Richard Stresing.

Around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Bartholomew died instantly after the 1975 Yamaha motorcycle he was driving struck the back of a 2001 Sienna van in the 4800 block of West Parmer Lane, about a mile west of MoPac Boulevard (Loop 1).

The van had pulled over to help a sick person in another vehicle, police said. Bartholomew, who was driving westbound, struck the van shortly after it pulled over, Stresing said. Four people in the van were taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries, he said.

SOURCE (http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2007/12/27/motorcyclist_who_died_in_chris.html)

[Red Brown]

Here is Gerald's Linked-In (http://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldbartholomew) profile. He was well liked in the Austin technology industry.

Thoughts and prayers sent to the family.

[DaveC]

A sad way to spend Christmas, may his family and friends find peace.

[whoa]

I'm convinced I've met him at one of the Austin Roadrunners meetings, but can't find anything about him related to that group.

Regardless if he had just changed lanes, or a leading vehicle swerved leaving Gerald no time to react, its a reminder when riding in traffic. It made me think of times I've filtered or changed lanes abruptly, and consider the potential of obstacles hidden since I've given up my usual line of site.

This is very tragic, and my condolences to his family and friends.

[JoshuaTree]

I saw the accident happen from the opposite direction lanes. I stopped immediately to render what aid I could and helped direct traffic until Police and Fire personnel arrived. Despite the efforts of an ER Nurse who happened on the scene within 15-30 seconds of the accident, and despite the Fire/EMT personnel being there within 2-3 minutes, it didn't make a difference for Gerald.

He did not die "instantly".

The van may have been "pulled over" at some point, but the impact WAS in the left-most lane of travel, on the right 1/3 of the minivan.

It may be conjecture on my part, but it looked like either the van was parked in the lane without turn signals or emergency flashers, or just pulled into the left lane "at the wrong time" without signaling.

May Gerald rest in peace, and may his family and friends find solace in the fact that Gerald passed from this earth doing something that he (and all of us) love - riding a motorcycle.

Wear your gear folks. It might save your life.

[WoodButcher]

I saw the accident happen from the opposite direction lanes. I stopped immediately to render what aid I could and helped direct traffic until Police and Fire personnel arrived. Despite the efforts of an ER Nurse who happened on the scene within 15-30 seconds of the accident, and despite the Fire/EMT personnel being there within 2-3 minutes, it didn't make a difference for Gerald.

He did not die "instantly".

The van may have been "pulled over" at some point, but the impact WAS in the left-most lane of travel, on the right 1/3 of the minivan.

It may be conjecture on my part, but it looked like either the van was parked in the lane without turn signals or emergency flashers, or just pulled into the left lane "at the wrong time" without signaling.

May Gerald rest in peace, and may his family and friends find solace in the fact that Gerald passed from this earth doing something that he (and all of us) love - riding a motorcycle.

Wear your gear folks. It might save your life.

Thanks for the extra information. Based on your last comment, does that mean he wasn't geared up?

Also, it turns out he was a neighbor of one of the offroad folks I know. He went to the funeral. He sent a note to a few of us that he knows that ride on the street and reminded us to be careful.

[JoshuaTree]

... does that mean he wasn't geared up?...

Based on the condition of what was left of his face and head, he did not have a helmet on - or if he did, it ejected on contact with the minivan. His other "gear" looked more like simple winter clothing, and basic shoes (i.e. Not riding boots).

There are images and sounds that you simply don't want to hear, nor can you ever forget. Only time, I hope, will fade the 'sharpness' of that day's memory.

Be careful out there, everyone.

[Vintage Mikey]

I heard the sirens from my house that day , he lived a few streets over from me. It was on Christmas day. Anybody know what type of 1975 Yamaha is was? RD ?