Whitehorse Daily Star

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Photo by Chuck Tobin

YOUTH SERIOUSLY INJURED – Emergency personnel attend to the teenager who was badly injured in Monday afternoon's traffic mishap in Porter Creek. The motorcycle he was riding is seen in the foreground.

Mishap leaves youth in critical condition

An 18-year-old Whitehorse youth remains in critical condition in Vancouver following a motorcycle accident Monday afternoon on 12th Avenue in Porter Creek.

By Chuck Tobin on October 4, 2011

An 18-year-old Whitehorse youth remains in critical condition in Vancouver following a motorcycle accident Monday afternoon on 12th Avenue in Porter Creek.

Whitehorse RCMP Sgt. Don Rogers said today eyewitness evidence indicates the youth was attempting to pass a vehicle on the inside between the vehicle and the cement curb at around 12:45 when he hit the curb near Fir Street, while heading toward the Alaska Highway.

The teenaged boy, who was alone, flew from the bike and skidded some 80 metres, police said.

Ambulance and fire department staff rushed to the scene.

A police news release says the teenager was taken to Whitehorse General Hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was later medevaced in critical condition to St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, Whitehorse hospital staff confirmed this morning.

The name of the youth has not been released.

The teen, said Rogers, was seen doing wheelies on 12th prior to hitting the curb.

He said evidence suggests speed was a factor, but just how fast the youth was travelling won't be known until the traffic analyst completes his report.

The police are seeking assistance to locate the driver of the vehicle who apparently didn't notice what was going on behind him, Rogers said.

He said the motorcycle was coming up on the inside and may not have been visible to the driver of the vehicle, which did not stop. The bike had reached the back corner of the vehicle when it hit the curb, the officer explained.

Eyewitnesses, said Rogers, are positive there was no contact between the motorcycle and the vehicle, and there was no evidence at the scene indicating any contact.

The sergeant said he doesn't believe a motorist operating a vehicle in a responsible, legal fashion would not have stopped had he or she known what had just happened.

"We are confident that this driver was not involved in any collision with the bike and may not have been aware of the bike attempting to pass, but we are hoping that person may recognize the incident and come forward to speak to police.”

Rogers said witnesses were unable to describe the vehicle in question because they were focused on the travel of the motorcycle.

Police, he said, are interested in hearing from any motorists who were travelling down 12th at around 12:45 p.m. Monday.

They're also interest in speaking to anyone who may have seen the youth driving his bright orange bike prior to the mishap, he said.

The teenage was wearing his helmet at the time though it came off during the course of events, said the sergeant.

He said it is not unusual for a helmet that is properly fastened to come off in a collision, depending on the circumstances.

Comments (50)

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Sherrie Jean-Louis on Oct 13, 2011 at 6:49 am

I am reminded of a story that I read a long time ago in an Ann Landers column. This story was written many years ago by a man named John L. Berrio. He wrote it after his son's friend died in a car accident. I just wanted to share this story and I hope everyone who reads this takes the time to think about the choices you make in life.

"I can"t be dead...I'm only 17"

Agony claws my mind. I am a statistic. When I first got here I felt very much alone. I was overwhelmed with grief, and I expected to find sympathy. I found no sympathy. I only saw thousands of others whose bodies were as mangled as badly as mine. I was given a number and placed in a category. The category was called "Traffic Fatalities".

The day I died was an ordinary school day. How I wish I had taken the bus. But I was to cool for the bus. I remember how I wheedled the car from mom. "Special favor" I pleaded - all the kids drive. When the 2:50 p.m. bell rang, I threw my books into the locker. I ran to the parking lot - excited at the thought of driving a car and being my own boss. Free.

It doesn't matter how the accident happened. I was goofing off - going to fast. Taking crazy chances. But I was enjoying my freedom and having fun. The last thing I remember was passing an old lady who seemed to be going awfully slow. I heard a deafening crash and felt a terrific jolt. Glass and steel flew everywhere. My whole body seemed to be turning inside out. I heard myself scream.

Suddenly, I awakened. It was quiet. A police officer was standing over me. Then I saw a doctor. My body was mangled. I was saturated with blood. Pieces of jagged glass were sticking out all over. Strange that I couldn't feel anything. Hey! - Don't pull that sheet over my head. I can't be dead! I'm only 17! I've got a date tonight.

I'm supposed to grow up and have a wonderful life. I haven't lived yet. I can't be dead.

Later, I was placed in a drawer. My folks had to identify me. Why did they have to see me like this? I had to look at my mom's eyes when she faced the most horrible ordeal of her life. Dad suddenly looked like an old man. He told the man in charge, "Yes, he is our son ".

The funeral was a weird experience. I saw all my relatives and friends walk towards the casket. They passed by, one by one, and looked at me with the saddest eyes I have ever seen. Some of my buddies were crying. A few of the girls touched my hand and sobbed as they walked away. Please - somebody - Wake me up! Get me out of here. I can't bear to see my mom and dad so broken up. My grandparents are so wracked with grief they can barely walk. My brother and sister are like zombies. Everyone is in a daze. No one can believe this and neither can I.

Please don't bury me. I'm not dead! I have a lot of living to do. I want to laugh and run again . I want to sing and dance. Please don't put me in the ground. I promise if you give me one more chance I will be the most careful driver in the world. All I want is one more chance. Please, I'm only 17!

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Amber Allison on Oct 11, 2011 at 11:19 am

I cannot believe the insensitivity and complete ignorance coming from people in Yukon. I have heard so many times that of all Canadians, Yukoners are the most caring and passionate people, yet what I see here is multiple people caring more about getting their petty thoughts out there, to feel better about what? yourself maybe? Does the carelessness that this boy showed make you feel better about your own faults? Because you people make it sound as though you've never done anything reckless.. never sped, never rolled a stop sign, never drank too much or for that matter bought someone else a drink that could have been that "one too many" for them?

I'm sure that every one of you that is commenting on this young man's "stupidity" is absolutely perfect. Never done drugs or smoked cigarettes? Never jaywalked - for that matter... never jaywalked and been close to being hit, yet you look at the driver as though THEY are the one making the mistake? You people are ridiculous. He was 18. A young man's brain is not even fully developed until his mid twenties, with the last part to develop being the judgment and rational thinking. I need not repeat all the questions regarding your families, but there is a thing called respect. You people write these comments as if this young man is going to read them. Also, you write them as if he didn't know he was being careless. Who are you writing all of your nasty comments for? His mother? As if she doesn't have enough to deal with right now.

As a young adult who made MANY stupid decisions as a teenager, who is now a young mother, a homeowner, a full time student at a University, I say that all of you people who have so many negative comments to throw in the faces of those who loved this boy (of which I am not one, I have never met him), you should be ashamed of yourselves.. and one day, when it is your family member who causes a car accident from driving too fast, or who is dying from lung cancer, or trying to place a lawsuit after being hit by a car from jaywalking; we will see what kind of terrible remarks you have for that human being who sealed their fate.

For Madonna and everyone else who knew and loved Cody, I am so sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace Cody, up there you can ride freely.

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Random Bystander on Oct 9, 2011 at 4:49 pm

this disgusts me.

the fact that there are parents out there and full grown adults with no respect. Someones child just died and all u can talk about is the negative? everyone makes mistakes and im sure every single one you has made a mistake.

stop being so selfish.

I did not know this boy or his family, but have some respect.

this was someones child. and u should all be ashamed of these nasty comments ur posting.

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Michelle Evans on Oct 8, 2011 at 8:20 am

I am appalled at the grossly insensitive people in our community that choose to post negative comments here and the "moderator” that allowed them to be posted. It is not about having sympathy for Cody or justifying what he was doing. It is not about blaming anyone for the outcome. It is about having respect and sympathy for his family, friends and child that will one day Google her father. Yes it was reckless; Cody made his choices and knew the risks he was taking. He paid the highest price for these choices. His family and friends had no control over his choices, yet are left to pay the consequences. Please have enough respect and sympathy for them to keep your negative comments to yourself.

For all the people who do not have children or who think you can control everything; wake up! You can't control what your teenagers do after they leave the house. As a mom you just hope and pray they listen to you and make it home safe.

My heart breaks for you Madonna, I am so sorry for your loss.

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Marie Langenhan on Oct 7, 2011 at 9:43 am

I am the mother of a teenage boy who loves to ride. Many of his friends do too. From my point of view this is an extremely frustrating and scary controversy for me. If he chooses this activity to be his passion, as a mother,I can only show him what it is to respect things and people around him, be cautious, be aware, be safe when riding.



I did not know Cody, but I did know of him, and I saw him ride a few times. He was a different breed of rider, and no one can deny that. He did lose his life for this, and I cried for him and family even though I didn't know him. Nasty comments on this have been so horrible and have come from anger and opinionated perspectives.

Anger at everything they do wrong. Above all the controversy, there has never been any positive direction for these riders. There are so many mixed messages and no action. How does the city accommodate their passion and keep everyone safe? We as mothers, can only guide them so far. We need some positive action; we cannot let this boy die in vain. Stop dwelling in the negatives and wake up.

No one is about to park their bikes-the problem still remains.

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tom stevens on Oct 7, 2011 at 7:09 am

This was not an accident, this was a collision. They are not the same thing. If this young person had made one silly error and it had resulted in death, like often happens with teenagers, there probably would be many less comments on this blog. However this was a long standing issue of reckless behavior that in the past had put other people at risk. I am sorry for the parents and the friends, you lost someone, however I can not believe that people are trying to minimize the behavior or even make it appropriate. Support the family, comfort the survivors but do not validate or justify this as "teenage" behavior or every teen who reads and believes those enabling comments could become the next Cody.

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YukonMax on Oct 7, 2011 at 5:58 am

It is all very sad. My condolences to the family."No matter what he did or didn't do, people loved & cared about this young man, show some RESPECT and rise above voicing your opinion and let it be already".

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Riiley Mac on Oct 7, 2011 at 5:47 am

Some of you people are so ignorant, it's unbelievable. I'm guessing you are all around 20-30+? Didn't you learn anything about RESPECT. He was a young man, harming no one, he did not deserve to lose his life. It seems he loved adrenaline, and that rush of doing crazy things. Just like many others. They don't deserve to die, and neither did he. Nobody does. You people are heartless. What if it was your child? I'm sure you'd have different things to say. I believe in something called karma, maybe you've heard of it? Commenting those disrespectful things will no doubt bring you some. I send my thoughts to the family and friends of this young man.. He was loved greatly, and will always be remembered. And I bet if you people actually met this kid before the accident, you'd reconsider your thoughts.

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Howdy Doody on Oct 7, 2011 at 4:23 am

The whole "he's just a teenager that's what teenagers do" argument is exactly the type of enabling mentality that led to this.

Its not ok to consistently break the law and endanger others.

Take some responsibility.

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Dylan.. on Oct 7, 2011 at 4:20 am

I knew him for so long, gone thru so much with him, and he's gone, that quick.. .I'm gunna miss him so much, he never showed off really, he rode for himself, of course he was reckless, all youth with a dirt bike or quad get cocky after a while and get over confident, I know I used to but he had a good long time here and we had fun I'll miss him and never forget him..r.i.p.

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rita jones on Oct 7, 2011 at 4:05 am

ok yea he was a bit careless and that's why he lost his life but that gives no one a right to put him down in this time of loss. A lot of people cared about him and seeing the comments on here makes me sick I think you all need to have a little compassion for his mother and his gf and his unborn child like grow up and keep ur nasty comments to yourself.

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anonymous on Oct 7, 2011 at 4:03 am

Yes, he was a teenager and they make mistakes.

The RCMP is also to blame. From what I've read they received lots of calls about the speeding issues and they didn't do anything. When people call they should investigate. If they would have given him tickets or even arrested him for unsafe driving he would still be here.

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Jennifer Smith on Oct 7, 2011 at 1:11 am

I don't think some of the posters here remember being a teenager. There are times when I wonder how I ever made it through with the crazy, thoughtless things I've done in my youth. Give this poor family a break. Accidents happen, and unfortunately, this poor young man won't be able to learn from his mistake. Let's all try to watch out for all of our teenagers. They need it.

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northone on Oct 6, 2011 at 3:12 pm

My condolences to this young man's family, a terrible tragedy.

Reading many of the comments posted here is saddening, yet another reminder that Whitehorse is not the kind, caring place it once was.

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island medic on Oct 6, 2011 at 3:05 pm

I am honestly, horrified by the comments about recklessness, bla bla bla.... yes, accidents happen, yes they can be prevented, but the point you are missing, is this was someones LIFE!! someones child, someones cousin, someones grandchild, family member etc., and I am pretty sure if someone was making comments in a derogatory way about one of YOUR family members, you would be very upset. No one is perfect, we all make mistakes, but seriously... give the family the space and respect and keep your negative comments to yourselves. Until you hold someones life in your hands with every last effort you can make to save them, and realize just how valuable life is, you will not understand. We are all humans with children and families of our own. Give your heads a shake.

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Sympathetic on Oct 6, 2011 at 2:53 pm

Yes this young man was driving in a reckless manner but he did not deserve to die...

I read the post made by his girlfriend and I would just like to stay hold strong and know that he lives on in you and your child. Take great care of your baby, cherish every moment and know that in a way your child will be his your lost loves immortality.

My condolences.

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T.R on Oct 6, 2011 at 2:08 pm

The old saying goes "If you have nothing nice to say, than don't say anything at all."

Who are any of us to pass judgment on another, I am sure we have all made mistakes in our lives, that's part of living & growing. This young mans life was lost, that's a tragedy in itself. No matter the circumstances, his family, friends, loved ones should be able to grieve for him without the stress of such negative and heartless comments being voiced. If this was your loved one, how would you feel? No matter what he did or didn't do, people loved & cared about this young man, show some RESPECT and rise above voicing your opinion and let it be already.

May strength be with your loved ones & May you have found peace.

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Max Mack on Oct 6, 2011 at 1:39 pm

I am sad that this young man has so carelessly lost his life. I am also glad that no one else was hurt.

My condolences the his family and friends.

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Native Captialist on Oct 6, 2011 at 11:26 am

Using this persons death to shutdown the forum and remove "negative" comments is an outrage. The right to free speech does not include the right to be offended.

The power of choice.

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Really? on Oct 6, 2011 at 11:22 am

This young man was careless and reckless, there is no question....but he was not the first and will not be the last. He was a teenage boy! I do not condone what he did but it is what it is...He was a kid that enjoyed the excitement and rush of speed and danger not unlike many many many others. He did not hurt anyone.....he did not hit anyone....not then, not ever and he paid an ultimate price for his actions!

You people that use this forum to state how pious you are and how he deserved this and how you know all about him as if you were an authority on something.....or any thing....are sickening. Its as if you are standing up saying..."I knew this would happen...i am so smart...look at me...I know everything...i knew this would happen.....I am without fault"

You all should look in the mirror and see if you really like what looks back. Someone that will use a public forum to publicly admonish a young man that lost his life is repulsive. If that is how you feel...fine...keep it to yourself! Would you walk up to the mother the day after and say that to her?? If not then do not say it at all!!!! If so...get off the planet! Do not put it here where people can be hurt further and your equally "pious jump on the wagon" friends get started. You r disgusting.

The young man died....he leaves behind his grieving mother who loved him dearly. She is devastated. She is a good lady who does not deserve 1 minute of your bs and is a better person than you will ever be. You people that blame the parent shut up! Do u not think they may hold themselves accountable in some fashion. If that's really how you feel, then save it for your next cocktail party when u may talk about other social ills that you see over another cocktail, with your equal "look down your nose at people" friends.

You people that say "Hopefully this tragedy is an eye opener to other young people and parents and makes the roads safer for the rest of us, " are so full of crap. This has been happening since time began and will continue. It is tragic and sad. I have lost friends growing up in Whitehorse to car accidents, snow machine accidents etc....good people all!! Cody was no different.

There is no question that society is in bad shape....but just as criminals, thieves and the ilk are responsible so are big mouthed, uncaring people like you. I have shown my daughter your comments and told her that one of the best traits we as people can have is compassion......and your letters show that there are many out there that lack that and she should do her best in life not to be like you.

Rest in peace Cody!

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L.Szigety on Oct 6, 2011 at 10:53 am

Shandell, I respectfully disagree, in that such issues including deaths should be brought out into the light including all of the factors involved. When we cease discourse and attempt to hide the truth is when everyone loses.

I agree with Mike Hawk that this is a regrettable tragedy, but if we hide the facts and muzzle the truth then how can other youngsters and parents learn from this?

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Mike Hawk on Oct 6, 2011 at 8:45 am

Just because people are commenting about this guy's repeated pattern of dangerous and reckless driving doesn't mean they are happy this accident happened.

Everyone agrees its a huge, regrettable tragedy.

The incident just shows that people are accountable for their actions and reckless behaviour has consequences.

Hopefully this tragedy is an eye opener to other young people and parents and makes the roads safer for the rest of us.

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DS on Oct 6, 2011 at 8:43 am

This forum should be closed and the negative comments taken down. It's a heartbreaking story. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all is what my mom taught me.

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Shandell McCarthy on Oct 6, 2011 at 8:39 am

Dear L.Szigedi: Have you ever lost a child and had it written about in the Whitehorse Star or Yukon news and had to read insensitive comments about your sons death online??? I have and know how it feels, that is why I was asking for some sensitivity for this family; it is not easy to deal with the death of your child especially when others are making that grief more difficult. When you experience this then I may pay attention to your comments.

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please... on Oct 6, 2011 at 7:59 am

Allow the family and friends to grieve and mourn. This banter has no place here right now.

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L on Oct 6, 2011 at 7:34 am

You make choices about how you act in this life, the things you do. You live or die with consequences....period. All of us do.

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ATV on Oct 6, 2011 at 7:33 am

L.Szigety

call Bylaw instead of RCMP.

Bylaw have ATV's for this reason to stop ATVers.

RCMP will just drive around and "try" to find them.

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L.Szigety on Oct 6, 2011 at 6:22 am

To Shandell McCarthy: I lost my heart for this kid about 2 and a half years ago when he nearly hit me at 50kph in the dark with no front light, riding in the greenbelt between Porter Creek mall and Goodies, on his way home...with no helmet.

To PrincessDiomond: If he was your friend, then how many times did you tell him to wear a helmet, or to slow down while whipping down Wann Road at 100 kph? I know I and a couple of others told him to slow down.

To Bernd Schmidt: How long would it have been before this uncaring kid had killed someone else? How many bystanders would you sacrifice to save this one kid? As for our wishes...the police had been called on this specific individual numerous times with zero results; what was wished was that the police would arrest him and charge him, along with impounding his bike(s)

To Mike H: There were already numerous laws on the books that could have been put to bear against this kid and other riders. None of them were used, and as such I can't see new ones being used either. What is missing from the equation is not a new law...but instead is a will on the part of the RCMP and the Crown to deal with these problem individuals before such blood is shed. No such will exists at present, and as a point, no new law should either. As for the "redneck" comment, if all you have left are puerile personal attacks, then perhaps you should leave the debate to the adults

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Tom Stevens on Oct 6, 2011 at 6:00 am

This death like all deaths are tragic, the behavior that caused the death was not, if you play Russian Roulette enough times you are going to lose. That's the sad and tragic part, not being able to see that outcome coming is only willful blindness.

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hockeymom on Oct 6, 2011 at 5:01 am

I would sincerely appreciate it if all negative comments regarding this boys accident, and now death be removed from the on-line site. I find it horribly disgusting that people can be so insensitive about the loss of a child; there IS a family suffering from the loss of this 18 year old boy!

I have a teenager of my own, who makes some pretty crazy decisions at times…. Regardless of the fact this kid liked to push himself to the limit, he didn't need to pay the price of a stupid mistake with his life!



Sometimes it's just warranted to keep the political BS out of the picture, especially under these circumstances!!!

Compassion should trump these negative comments, and shame of you Whse Star for even publishing these remarks! What really is the goal for publishing such content?

I was under the impression that the Star comments received were "scanned" for appropriateness - who the heck allowed such remarks to be printed, yet alone posted publicly when families (directly, and in-directly..meaning school friends as well) are so horribly affected by them!



Please have some compassion for both the family and the friends of this young man; do the right thing by removing those despicable comments about this terrible incident!

From a mother of a teenage boy!

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teresa lavallee on Oct 6, 2011 at 4:04 am

I am this boys aunt I've never met him but he should have known better - I will not judge him - I will pray for him and his family. god bless rip ,,,,,,,,,

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Shandell McCarthy on Oct 6, 2011 at 12:49 am

I think those of you are saying that this young fella basically "deserved" to die are absolutely devoid of any morality and compassion, somebody lost their child, brother, father, boyfriend, friend. You may think what you want but to post it where his mother and family can read it; that is really heartless and cold. No matter what this young man did or didn't do, he ultimately lost his life and he is not here to apologize to you for his behavior or to defend himself; I know its tough but try to pretend you have feelings and put yourself in the place of someone who just lost their son or boyfriend, or friend or brother, how would you feel to see comments such as the ones you're making on a public website for the world to read. You probably don't have anyone in the world that you care about that was irresponsible at any time in their lives...get a grip on reality and go buy a heart.

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Tenisha on Oct 5, 2011 at 3:54 pm

HE was on his way to see me... before he went to work... I'm his girlfriend.. and currently carrying his child which as of now I'm 8 and a half months along. He was a wonderful man. and there should be nothing rude or mean said about him, cause if anything I knew him pretty well.. i dated him for 4 years, so I know for a fact that there was no bad intentions in his mind.... ever.

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PrincessDiomond on Oct 5, 2011 at 2:33 pm

Just so happens this "reckless kid" had passed away... life is just unfair!! He was my friend so all your rude comments shouldn't be allowed up here.

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Bernd Schmidt on Oct 5, 2011 at 2:07 pm

... We lost a young life...

It seems that some sanctimonious, pompous, self-righteous "citizens", solely concerned about the public welfare, got their wish: The menace is gone.

You disgust me.

... We lost a young life...

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bluzluva on Oct 5, 2011 at 11:13 am

Speeding, stunting, wheelies on populated roads, illegal access to highway with no regard for traffic. Speeding on trails, passing on the right on a single-lane road. Unregistered, unlicensed vehicle on city streets.

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saddened on Oct 5, 2011 at 10:39 am

Our sympathies go out to the family try to remember people are grieving this persons death so don't be impolite and talk ill of the dead.

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bobby bitman on Oct 5, 2011 at 8:59 am

Too bad he had this accident. Good thing no one else went down with him. Incredibly dangerous person, how is it that he was not stopped? Who else is out there doing the same thing, and will be the next victim of their own behaviour and perhaps worse, might take out innocent human beings with them?

Now is a bad time to speak out about this individual. But a very good time to speak out about others. It looks from the comments that a lot of people were very aware and disturbed by what was going on with this young man, yet nothing happened/nobody did anything.

Condolences to his mother.

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R on Oct 5, 2011 at 8:58 am

The young man passed away.

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Voice of reason on Oct 5, 2011 at 8:49 am

The other paper in town ran the story about his last public incident and he and his mother were all indignant that COW had the nerve to barricade a trail.

If I was that kids parent that bike he wrecked then would have been his last. The sense of entitlement of some people often has tragic events.

I'm just glad no innocent bystanders were killed.

I don't see how the 'pro off-road vehicle' crew can spin this into a positive.

Unless something is done it will very likely be an innocent kid that gets hurt or killed.

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A. on Oct 5, 2011 at 8:43 am

A lot of comments on here about him being reckless and not having sympathy.... I bet things would be different if it were your friend or family member that was in this situation.

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Mike H on Oct 5, 2011 at 8:43 am

You can say what you want but the bottom line is without laws you can't enforce. If the laws existed, and were enforced very likely this kid would be tooling along an existing trail right now.

The so-called 'yuppie agenda' that you seemingly despise is about making the streets and trails safe for every one. Is the 'redneck agenda' all about destruction, disruption and needless death and injury? If so you shouldn't be surprised that the vast majority of city residents are opposed to that nonsense.

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Mike Hawk on Oct 5, 2011 at 8:34 am

A huge tragedy and our deepest condolences go out to the family.

Unsurprising news if you remember the article from last year. Too bad they didn't learn something. http://www.yukon-news.com/news/19680/

Thankfully nobody else was hurt by this tragic and reckless behaviour.



And hopefully it will serve as a caution to others.

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F. on Oct 5, 2011 at 7:46 am

Been riding for years and I've had a number of close calls. Hope you pull out of this man!

And hey, Mike H.. quit trying to use this accident to further some yuppie agenda of removing ATVs, bikes and off-road vehicles from the city!

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Tom Stevens on Oct 5, 2011 at 7:04 am

Condolences to the family, however this young man put himself at risk often and this was not his first collision that could have had a serious outcome for him and potentially other people. There is a serious ambivalence in the Yukon about safety and responsibility and it starts with the attitudes of the community. This young person often was driving unregistered, uninsured vehicles through and around his school and community with never a issue from the Administration. I am sorry for all the people who will suffer because of this incident but not only was it negligent it was incredibly predictable.

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L.Szigety on Oct 5, 2011 at 6:50 am

Whoever didn't see this coming is either a fool or is lying to themselves. This person had a continual habit of stunt riding around Porter Creek, including reckless driving, speeding on the roads, and crossing the AK Highway without looking.

In fact just two weeks ago three of us saw this very same individual climb out of the ditch between Trails North and Wann Road at about 40kph right onto the highway and into oncoming traffic without looking or stopping.

You are all deluding yourselves if you thought this would never happen. And the prior comment about hitting the barrier in PC is justified as it shows a continued inability by the rider to pay attention to his surroundings and to observe his path with caution.

We will miss this individual for certain. I just wish he would have heeded our multiple warnings about his riding habits.

As for the prior comment from Mike H about more ATV restrictions, this specific motorcycle did not drive itself, nor did it drag this person unwillingly across the road carelessly. Deal with the careless drivers, and stop using blanket arguments to make your point.

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Jessie on Oct 5, 2011 at 4:05 am

Porter Creek Resident" I find it funny that you state he is "always" flying down that fast. as he mostly uses the trails or the back roads to bike around, yes the speed should have been a known danger factor. but HOWEVER there was no right at all to bring up how he flew into the barricades last year. Two completely different stories, and two completely different reasons as to why they happened. As to your issue about how it didn't have plates, its a DIRTBIKE. If there not suppose to be on the road, why are they required plates and Insurance, think about it. Yes the story was preventable, but accidents happen. I agree that there is a safety factor with off road vehicles being on public roads, but then they should deal with that. Either off road vehicles shouldn't require Insurance and plates, and be stuck in trails, and not on public roads, or they should make regulations towards off road vehicles such as (quads, dirtbikes, etc.) being allowed on public roads, under restriction. Sorry "portercreek Resident" that was an unneeded message. Mike H I will let the family know about your condolences. ...

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Jessie Lynn on Oct 5, 2011 at 2:33 am

Buddy, Take care, obviously by now its been heard your name, but I'll keep it off here. Anyone who knows what happened please let the RCMP know. Budd pull out of this please!!. Your baby and girlfriend need you Bud. The truth of what happened will come out soon. But please Budd for your family, and your life, you have so much to live for, pull through Bud please pull through!

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Mike H on Oct 4, 2011 at 10:49 am

Condolences to the family.

However a completely preventable 'accident'. No visible license on the bike, very likely no registration or insurance either.

A young man, stunting, and the results are predictable.

It is EXACTLY reason like this that prove off road vehicles (bikes, quads, snow machines etc) have no place in city limits let alone 'catwalking' down a major city street.

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Porter Creek Resident on Oct 4, 2011 at 9:29 am

Neighborhood has been living in fear of this high speed character for quite a while now regularly cat-walking at 100km/hr+ along 12th flying by everyone.

People on Centennial Street say he raced down there as well.

Worried he was going to lose control and hit someone's children.

Too bad it happened, but you think he would have learned after hitting the barricade last year and flying 60 feet!!

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