Devastated

[allikanbe]

Yesterday, my best friend Don and I went for a ride to Tappahannock, VA. Great weather and a typical good ride. On the way back, we separated at Yorktown VA where I live and he continued toward home via the James River Bridge. He didn't reply that he made it home after an hour so I called his wife. She had not heard from him. I called a cop friend who told me there was a motorcycle accident on the bridge. I don't know what happened. It was a single vehicle accident. Don died on that bridge. Anyone who knew us knows that we weren't crazy riders. No high speed riding, no crazy things. He could have had a medical issue. I don't know. I knew Don for 40+ years through the Army and after we retired. We had been riding together for 22 years. My wife and I went to his house last night to be with his wife. He has one daughter and a couple of grandchildren who were his pride and joy. This is just terrible.

[wildbears]

Our entire board is sorry for your and his family's loss.

[cabnfvr]

I do not know what words to type. I think you already said it best, "This is just terrible."

[BillGsa]

From the title I didn't want to click on it, my sincere condolences 😔

[955i]

Bill, I felt the same.

[955i]

Dear All,

So sorry for your loss of a friend and riding buddy. Condolences to his family, and to yours. May you recieve comfort.

I lost a friend of many years a few years ago in a two-car head-on. He crossed over the yellow and hit an oncoming car with a family in it. Fortunately the folks in the other vehicle survived with no lasting crippling injuries. But, some were hospitalized for a number of days.

It was mid-day during the week. My friend had called his wife and said he was coming home early because he "didn't feel good." The investigators believe he was dead or near dead from a medical event (anorism?) before he ever crossed the line. He was a counselor and a high school soccer coach. I had coached with him many years.

I took comfort that it was "not his fault" in the usual sense. AND, that the other folks survived.

[allikanbe]

Thank you to all. Things will never be the same.

[Loggiebone]

I can feel your pain. Three weeks ago I lost my best friend too. It still hurts!

[Capnrip]

Some of you may remember Don from a couple of BRPRs at the Wattstull. I've ridden with him a couple of times. He was a good, safe rider and from my experiences with him a good guy as well. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.