Accident claims lives of 2 on motorcycle

mjklow (anonymous) says...

"Cox was coming off Tyvola Road and didn't yield to the motorcycle, which was going east on Dorchester Road, Beres said. "

I hope the DA plans to file charges.

April 16, 2008 at 7:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...

I am an avid motorcycle rider, and yes, I do wear a helmet. It appears from the description of events, the driver of the truck is 100% at fault and should be held accountable. Many times I have had drivers merge into my lane and force me onto the median. Wonder why most riders prefer loud pipes?

April 16, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

onedeep (anonymous) says...

Fault would be determined by the area in which the bike hit the truck. Front half means the truck cut them off, and she would be at fault. Back half indicates that there was time to react, and do to either speed or negligence (or both) he wasn't able to stop in time, meaning the bike would share in the fault.

April 16, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Yankee_Don (anonymous) says...

Onedeep - nice try -- how about if the motorcycle rider was attempting to avoid the truck who by the way "Pulled out in front of traffic" that is failure to yeild - and the motorcycle rider attempted to avoid the truck by not turning into the path of it but rather away from it thus hitting the rear half of the truck! Then your analyst though mute is still incorrect.
I ride - everyday, Either my Blue Ultra Classic or my FXDWG they are my main mode of transportation. The "crotch Rockets" is a real motorcycle - would you call a Corvette not a real car. Just because its not your flavor of motorcycle doesn't make it any less of a motorcycle. And if the bike was exceeding the speed limit - 5, 10, 15, even 20 or more over - does that make it ok to pull in front of them. Drivers should be taken in to account the speed on which traffic is traveling before proceeding.
The driver of the truck was at fault - for failure to yeild which is the cause of over 70% of motorycle accidents in the nation. Helmets should not be the issue but "Driver / Rider Education" should be!

April 16, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Girleygirl (anonymous) says...

This is sad...two young lives taken away.....I do feel sorry for the families....

April 16, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodgirl1234 (anonymous) says...

I am still shocked that I will never see my friend again. Barry(driver) was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. I know he would never do anything to put his friends in danger. I mean he just recently got his motorcyle which by the way wasn't a crotch rocket. He was so excited about it. I joked with him that he was going to kill himself on that thing, if he wasn't careful. But he ensured me he was. He was honestly like the brother i never had.I didn't know Nicole very well.But she seemed sweet and sincere. My heart goes out to their parents and siblings.

April 16, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Yankee_Don (anonymous) says...

Goodgirl1234 -- I am very sorry for friend - sadly earlier that same day I was in the funeral procession to put one of my friends to rest. Which was cut short due to another individual with low IQ pulled through our funeral procession and a Summerville Officer (Tolson) who was detailed to escort us crashed into the side of her truck. I saw it and was one of the first on the scene to assit him.

Please pass on that our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Barry and Nicole!

April 16, 2008 at noon ( permalink | suggest removal )

UncleEd (anonymous) says...

Nicole is/was my niece. Her dad is my step-brother. Right now the families needs your thoughts and prayers. Please do not try to speculate on fault in this tragedy. I am sure the driver of the truck is feeling enough sorrow and despair right now. Let the authorities do their job. I will be praying for all involved and their families and I ask that all of you do the same.

Thank You

April 16, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

katelyn_m72 (anonymous) says...

Barry and I had been friends for two years. We worked together, and just this past Saturday he was showing off the new paint on his bike. I was pleased to see something make him so happy. To hear this news was so shocking, I couldn't even stand up. Nicole was a very sweet girl as well. At my second job one lady was talking about the officer who had been hit on Dorchester Road. My father and many of my friends ride motorcycles, so naturally I started thinking that at any moment, lives could be cut short. I just never expected it to happen to Barry.

My condolences go out to their families.

April 16, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

CADguy (anonymous) says...

Although a tragic event to be a cause of, the driver needs to be cited. I can think of two ways right of the top of my head. One is not yeilding the right of way. Second and lesser known, Tyvola is a popular cut through road to avoid the intersection of Dorchester and Bacon's Bridge. It is so popular, that recently Summerville passed a law making it illegal to use cut throughs to avoid intersections because it was making residential streets unsafe. The hours the law is in effect in the afternoon is 4:30p to 6:30p, making her a recepiant of a citation.

April 16, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

Obviously the lady driving the truck was in a hurry, so anyone in her path was fair game. "Early" is absolutely correct when he states: "In recent years the drivers in this area are so careless, reckless and stupid I had to give it up. This area is one of the most dangerous areas to drive in the USA and probably a good portion of the world, no exaggeration. I drove over seas in different countries for 8 years, and most of the states and I have never seen such rude buttwipes as around here!" AMEN to that "Early"!!! Nicole had many good friends that loved her very much, one of them being my own son, who are completely devastated by her death. The insanity of drivers in the Summerville area has got to stop!!!!! What could possibly be so God**** important you kill two young people?? I wonder what the driver of that truck's answer would be to that question. I know I'd like to hear it.

April 16, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Marianne0558 (anonymous) says...

Is it true that the driver of the motorcycle did not have a motorcyclist license?
Put that together with no helmets and you're just asking for a disaster.

The woman driving the truck must feel a lot of guilt for causing the accident, but it was an accident. It's not like she meant to hurt them. This will probably haunt her for the rest of her life.

My thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends of all 3 involved.

April 16, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Yankee_Don (anonymous) says...

mariane558 - this was by no means an accident. if the tire blew out and made her to lose control of her car maybe -- but her actions caused the death of two people.

April 16, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Marianne0558 (anonymous) says...

Yankee_Don-
I take it that you have never, ever, ever been in a car accident before.
People don't purposely crash into others unless they are insane. Is it possible she didn't see the motorcycle?
Would you have the balls to tell this woman to her face that it wasn't an accident and that she meant to kill these people?

April 16, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Slick50 (anonymous) says...

It is a good thing she was wearing her seat belt when she slammed into the motorcycle. The bigger the vehicle, the badder the driver. She needs to be cited BIG TIME !

April 16, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JohnS (anonymous) says...

If the lug nuts on the truck came loose causing the truck to be out of control this could explain how the motorcycle hit the truck.

April 16, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

The woman had her truck PULLED OUT into the lane blocking the roadway while trying to Bully her way across when she should have been patiently waiting her turn at the stop sign like the rest of us nobodies do. Basic driving 101 teaches you to WAIT YOUR TURN until BOTH lanes are CLEAR of traffic before pulling out onto the roadway. She killed two people because she was another "special" person who believes our rules of the road do NOT pertain to them! Wearing a helmet or having a motorcycle license would not have saved Nicole & Barry yesterday! She signed their death warrants the minute she broke the law. As for sympathy for the driver? Excuse me,I'm not feeling very sympathetic for her right now while I'm listening to my son in the next room cry his eyes out. ~~ R I P Nicole & Barry ~~

April 16, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JohnS (anonymous) says...

Stats prove wearing a regulation helmet cuts down on head and neck trama. You have to assume something is going cause you to be thrown off your bike one day. When you get your motorcycle lic you are told this. I wonder how long this person had been a lic rider?

April 16, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

julesr (anonymous) says...

I knew Nicole and she was like a daughter to me. We were very close. In fact I saw her Monday. She was happy and just being herself. She was planning a fishing trip with me this coming Saturday. She will be greatly missed.
Nicole, now you can rest in peace. I love you very much!

April 16, 2008 at 6:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

This is my reply to the people that keep saying, "Well they were not wearing helmets"...To be graphic, Barry's body basically exploded on impact. Nicole was bent totally backwards in half. Now I want somebody to explain to me how having a friggin' helmet on could have saved them??

April 16, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JI73 (anonymous) says...

To the families and friends of these 2 young people: My thoughts and prays are with you. At this point it is irrelevant who is to blame. The fact is that these people are suffering a tremendous loss. The main concern should be centered on you all. Stay strong

April 16, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

creekergoose (anonymous) says...

I can't believe that the police have not brought charges to this truck driver. It is obviously her fault, and though she must feel terrible about her foolish actions, she must pay the price, jail! As for ColdBeer and his comments on crotch rocket drivers, though there are many who don't seem to care about their own lives and of others, I am one who does. As a Ninja 600zx driver I am wear a helmet and drive carefully. When my 8yr old daughter rides with me, she also wears her helmet. Oh yeah, I'm 50yrs old and though I would rather ride a BMW, I came into ownership of it and am enjoying it every day I can. I feel very sorry for the parents of Barry and Nichole and their loss. My wife knows Nichole's mom, Julie and is very sad about all of this. Our prayers are out to them, and to all of the ignorant drivers on the road who probably couldn't pass a road test again if they had to.

April 16, 2008 at 7:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

bkc6 (anonymous) says...

My thoughts and prays are with these families. I rode a motorcycle up to two years ago. I stopped because a car pulled out in front of me. I was lucky. All I have are scares and a metal rod in my leg. All they have now are memories. God bless these families. BKC6

April 16, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

karace (anonymous) says...

Undoubtedly, charges should be pressed against Mrs.Cox, whether this was an "accident" or simply a case of "inattentive driving". People get tickets for both everyday. No price that she could ever pay will bring Barry and Nicole back. A helmet could have done nothing to save either of them. The only thing that could have prevented this, would have been her respect of the rules of driving. The statement that Barry didn't have a motorcycle license is consistently reappearing, inferring that potentially, Barry wasn't capable of operating the vehicle. That leads me to question why THIS WOMAN had a license for her car. Obviously she was no more capable of operating her vehicle or adhering to the rules of the road. I grew up with Barry. He was a legend at our school, loved by faculty, loved by students, his charisma and outgoing nature brought light to the then dull and wearisome hallways and classrooms. Regardless of whether charges are pressed, whether she is fined or not, Barry and Nicole won't be coming home. It is unfortunate that we had to lose two people, just stepping into adulthood, a crucial part of their lives cut short at its best. Such a prime example she has set of how careless people can be.

Barry, I will miss you. We all will. I didn't know the young man that you had come to be, but I remember you in your younger years. I idolized you as I know everyone else did. You never were forgotten and never will be. I wish that I had had the opportunity to meet you again and to see who you have become. As I was reading through the messages that people sent to you today-remembrances of you-I noticed that my thoughts of you paralleled theirs, that though I didn't know any of these people, we all had something in common; your bright smile and warming character is what we will all remember you by.

Kara

April 16, 2008 at 8:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

DontSpamMeBro (anonymous) says...

JohnS: You know what they say about statistics, don't you? Having investigated a LOT of motorcycle related fatalities in the last 23 years, I can say this: I have yet to see a fatal motorcycle accident in which the rider's death would have been prevented by a helmet. These accidents involve significant trauma to other areas of the body. Have I seen non-fatal accidents in which the rider was saved by a helmet? Sure. If you have ever purchased a helmet, you might have missed the manufacturer's warning that the device is not rated for speeds over 35 mph.

Condolences to the two riders who are no longer with us because another idiot cager "didn't see" a motorcycle. Maybe some day we'll get some real penalties in place for these morons, instead of a 100 dollar "failure to yield" citation.

April 16, 2008 at 8:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

karace (anonymous) says...

I couldn't have said it better, sir.

April 16, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oldhokie79 (anonymous) says...

I truly am discomforted by some of the above posts. What we are dealing with here is the death of 2 beautiful young people and some of you just what to spill venom and hate. I personally knew the young man, Barry and my daughter was good friends with Nicole. This should be the topic of these blogs but so many of you in this day and age jusr want to point the blame and pull the trigger without any knowledge or facts. Please this should be a time to tell the family just how much this tragic event has affected us all and not about how bad drivers are towards cyclists. The poster who describes the young man's injuries, you are pathetic to detail this. This is about 2 young people so let's leave it at that.
From your old HOKIE buddy, Chuck and Laura, i Just want you to know that I love you both and my heart breaks for you tonight. Please know that you are in our prayers. Barry was a wonderful kid and you did a great job bringing him up.
To Nicole's parents, our hearts go out to you. Although I did not know your daughter personally, my own child was somewhat close to her and produced a picture of Nicole and her recently of them together. What a beautiful young lady you raised. May she rest in eternal peace.
And lastly. To mrs Cox, I know the pain you must be feeling tonight for I'm sure will be an eternal nightmare for you. May the good lord look after you during this difficult time, not only for you but your family as well.

April 16, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

OldHokie79: If uncovering the fact that a helmet would not have saved these kids, (which btw, my son happened to be very close friend of Nicole's & has been absolutely devastated by this), and instead, letting Barry & Nicole take the public blame for somehow causing their own deaths, makes me pathetic, then I must be. My point being the driver of the truck caused their deaths, not the fact they were not wearing helmets. It is more important to me that these kids not be held responsible in any way for what happened to them than repeating the tired worn out old adage, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all". Which btw, in this day & age I truly consider "pathetic". That saying has protected everyone from child molesters to lying politicians and it just don't wash in the 21st century. Standing by doing nothing more than clicking your tongues & shaking your head just encourages more people to drive recklessly, and why not? no one will hold them accountable for anything if it was just an "accident" will they? I can hear it now, "I'm sowwy officer...it was jus a lil accident"...And thats the bottom line. No more get out of jail free cards. period.

April 16, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

I would also like to bring notice to the fact that this is a "comments" section of the newspaper. Not the memorial site for Nicole & Barry, which I hope someone will start soon. On that page I would never dream of posting anything other than words of comfort. On this page I believe we are expected, and even morally obligated to speak and discuss the facts as they are presented.

April 16, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oldhokie79 (anonymous) says...

JDV.
My point was I didn't think that this column was the forum for this discussion for family members are probably reading this. We should be mourning their loss. You just don't seem to get that. Bottom line is you have NO RIGHT to point blame at anyone at this point. This forum should be for saying condolonces to the family. Do you get it yet!!!!!

April 16, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oldhokie79 (anonymous) says...

tell me what damn facts you have??? are you a cop who was there? please enlighten us with your knowledge. If not you are basically out of line here.

April 16, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oldhokie79 (anonymous) says...

jdv
It's obvious you are a motoehead (cyclist) because you rant is about helmets. I will end the discussion here because i myself have become wrapped up in a discussion not appropriate for this board, I will say this though. It's not always the person in the car who causes the accident.
Bottomline on this is that I weep for all here involved.

April 16, 2008 at 9:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

oldfogie79: As I stated before, I have a son who was a very close & dear friend of Nicole,(you seem to have a problem understanding that), as such I have access to details about this accident. BTW, if you think for a minute your cursing and trite attempts at intimidation cut any ice with me you are laughably mistaken. As far as being "out of line", anyone who tries to bully me is definitely "out of line" and wasting his time. This is a "public forum"(hellooo?? ever heard of that?), utilized for discussion of events that affect us all. I have watched my son cry his heart out ever since this happened. If you think for one minute ANYTHING YOU could do or say could EVER hurt me more than that, you are badly mistaken. As this is not a forum meant for personal debate, I apologize to the other readers for allowing myself to be drawn into this stupid diatribe with you. This discussion is over.

April 16, 2008 at 10:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hotchick (anonymous) says...

I'm glad to see that JDV and hokie have stopped the sparring for the night. It is amazing how these boards get out of control. Now, let's insert some facts so everyone can stop letting their imaginations run wild -
1)Article said no charges were filed YET because at the time of the article the accident had not been thoroughly investigated.
2)If you rode down Dorchester at Tyvola yesterday, you would have seen the coroner's special units out there with surveying equipment as they reconstructed the accident. The driver of the truck was completely at fault. Charges are pending.
3)The two kids on the motorcycle were not at fault. The kid driving had a motorcycle license. They were not wearing helmets, but the coroner confirmed that the helmets would not have made a difference in this case.
4)Yes, this is a public forum comment section, but in the spirit of decency and with the knowledge that parents, step-parents and friends are computer literate (Step-Dad Chuck even sells computers, I think!), one would think that details regarding the kids' injuries would not be put in print for all to see. Put yourself in the position of Barry's mother, you insensitive swine.
I've vented enough.

April 17, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...

hotchick, I completely agree with you...I can't believe that anyone would put the graphic details of the injuries on this discussion board...completely classless. Someone seems to be trying to solicit pity by being so "closely" related to the deceased. I feel for the parents, I feel for the friends of these two, but not for anyone who would spill such information to the general public. I think there are medications for people with issues like that.

April 17, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

hotchick,PleaseSomeTruth,oldhogie79:I was simply defending two victims who were basically being accused of causing thier own deaths by not wearing helmets. You three are clearly & obviously trying to spin the attention away from the perpetrator (Mrs.Cox) and onto me somehow thinking this will make what she did acceptable and portray me as real criminal in this. Sorry, it won't work, she did it and she should answer for it. Tell it to the Judge. As far as medication goes, the day I start name calling in the comments section of a newspaper is the day I will consider medication,(as you may consider hotchick). If you truly find my comment so horrific why do you not simply click (suggest removal) on it as I intend to do in a moment? Because the comment works to help perpetuate your sad attempted spin away from Mrs. Cox, which is exactly why I am having it removed. As far as "attention seeking" PleaseSomeTruth...how so? I have requested my address be kept anonymous as you have also done. Where's the attention?? (duh) You two & oldhogie79 remind me of the kind of people who blame rape victims of "asking for it" for wearing the "wrong" kind of clothes. Nicole & Barry didnt "ask for this" because they were not wearing helmets. I sincerely apologize for anything I have said that may have disturbed any family member of Nicole or Barry's. If I have done so I will gladly apologize to them personally. As I have said before, Nicole was a very close friend of my son's and I felt a responsibility to protect her from any unjust perceptions made by those reports. If you don't like that I could care less. Thats your problem. Mine is helping my son through his grief. 'Nuff said.

April 17, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Lve (anonymous) says...

My heart and condolences go out to all three families and friends touched by this tragedy. May the Lord be with all of you and help to comfort you all in your time of sorrow.

April 17, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JohnS (anonymous) says...

You have to have a motorcyle drivers lic to ride in SC.

April 17, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ajb (anonymous) says...

Nicole was the sweetest girl.. I can't believe she is gone...

R I P Nicole Lynn Stockdale...

April 17, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...

Cox was coming off Tyvola Road and didn't yield to the motorcycle, which was going east on Dorchester Road, Beres said.

Where's the untruth, JDV? Yes, very true the woman as at fault, and should be charged...I don't believe for a second that the helmets would have kept those kids from being killed. I'm not spinning the truth, but how in the H*ll are you helping your son deal with his grief by sitting at the keyboard? Give me a break! Do something in order to gain the attention you so crave.

April 17, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

carolinagirl_86 (anonymous) says...

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH BOTH BARRY AND NICOLE'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS AT THIS TIME OF TRAGEDY. I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS. MAY BOTH REST IN PEACE.

P.S. AND COULD EVERYONE JUST STOP CAUSING DRAMA ON HERE THIS IS 2 LIVES WE ARE SHOWING OUR CONDOLENCES ABOUT THIS IS NOT MYSPACE PEOPLE GROW UP.

April 17, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

This is not a Memorial page for Nicole & Barry it is a "comments" section of a local newspaper, hopefully some of the kids might start a page up for her, I know they are putting a slideshow together. I'm so heartsick I'm not even going to waste a response on STP other than to say, why are you commenting at all about people you obviously never knew or could care less about? (hello? attention anyone STP??)But I am going to use my keyboard,(btw, my son is standing right behind me..i wont repeat what he told me to say to you STP,use your imagination,lol),to start researching on changing the antiquated laws in this state, unbelievably SC has no "Vehicular Manslaughter/Homicide" laws enacted at this time. I think that needs to change. A few well placed phone calls, mass emails, petition drives and a lot of pissed off people can change a lot of things. This has got to stop and it needs to start now. This woman must have a court date coming up, a few hundred pages of signatures could help sway things...

April 17, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

And here is where we start people.--- http://www.ipetitions.com/---Every biker in SC (and there are a LOT of them!)would probably be more than happy to sign a petition finally making it a severely punishable offense if you carelessly kill one of them in this state. Everybody needs time to say their goodbyes to Nicole & Barry, time to get their brains unscrambled by all this, time to heal somehow. And then apply ourselves to changing the law, we could have the new law named for them in their honor, and try to at least lower the incidence of motorcycle related deaths by careless drivers. Its not right that this has been allowed to go on so long. Its time to do something people. This is the last really important thing we could do for Nicole & Barry. Maybe in doing this their deaths will have some kind of meaning, because right now, I just don't understand it at all.

April 18, 2008 at 12:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

http://www.ipetitions.com/ -The Petition is not up yet but this is the sight,we could print out the petitions and take them around and also sign online and then print them out. If you are interested in helping please contact me through this news link. Thank you.

April 18, 2008 at 12:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...

We are finally on the same page, JDV...I apologize for my comments, but now I think I get the gist of your posts. I will be VERY glad to sign the petition, and will certainly after this post. Tell your son I've lost many friends to both vehicle and motorcycle accidents. I'm 40 now, and the tally is way up there. I will be glad to deliver the petition itself to the VFW near my home where many, many bikers spend much of their time. Yes, the laws are antiquated, and I agree with you on that point. I am mortified that the only probable charge for Ms. Cox is a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" charge. I am appalled by the numbers of people gabbing on cell-phones while driving. We're one of the least educated states in the nation (don't blast me on that, because it's factual), yet there are so many individuals that believe that they can control a vehicle while chatting, adjusting the radio knobs, and reading whatever they can get their hands on. I sat at a stop light yesterday, had a man to my right on a cell, a woman to my left on a cell, and another woman behind me on a cell. I see people pulling out of their driveways, and they already have a call on the line. THAT behavior needs to be stopped. If your attention isn't on the road, stay OFF THE ROAD. So, yes, JDV...you have my attention...and my assistance. I wanted to be sure you were serious, and my thoughts are with the families of Barry and Nicole, and their countless friends.

April 18, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JohnS (anonymous) says...

If the man did not have a motorcyle DL then he at least contributed to the wreck.

April 18, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kelly89 (anonymous) says...

I just wanted to say this is such a tragedy and unfortunately everything happens for a reason. I went to school with Nicole and Barry. It just really sucks that they are so young and they had just started a new chapter in their lives after getting out of highschool. I am so sorry for the families and close friends of these two. From what i knew of them, they were two really nice people.

As for Mrs. Cox, i feel so sorry for her. I know for a fact she feels the guilt and she is very sorry. She also would never do anything like that on purpose. Mistakes happen and this one just happened to cause the life of two people. It is obvious that everyone is blaming her for this and its understandable but everyone please know that she has feelings to and she knows she is going to have to deal with the consequences. Being that it was an accident, i hope that she does not have severe consequences. She is not in as much pain as the families, but trust me.. she has to live with this for the rest of her life knowing she has killed two people. I just think everyone should stop pointing fingers and stop assuming who was at fault until all details are released of the cause of this fatal accident.

I am very sorry to both families and I hope the best for yall. My prayers are out to you.

Thanks, Kelly

April 18, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

driversdaughter (anonymous) says...

I am the daughter of the woman driving the pick up truck. This is a very tragic accident and we all send our condolences to both of the families. My mom is very sad and upset. My mom just didnt see them coming, she did not just pull out in front of the motorcycle, she just didnt see them coming. My mom did everything she could to help both of the lives lost. There really isnt a blame here, it was a accident, and we all know that accidents happen everyday. As much as my mom and our family want to take it back, we cant so we are leaving it in gods hands. We are praying for both families, and is very sorry this happend.

April 18, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

flowlow (anonymous) says...

I drove right up to the accident, not on purpose. I pulled out of a neighborhood and right towards it ...

What upsets me is that drivers use Tyvola and the road on the opposite side as a "cut through." Drivers who use these roads are usually driving much too fast and are in a hurry to dart out in front of Dorchester Road traffic in an attempt to save time.

This is a reminder to all of us that we should make conscious, deliberate efforts NOT to rush and definitely not to pull out in front of traffic unless there is MORE than enough time to accelerate, gain speed, and move along with the flow of traffic without causing alarm to other drivers.

April 18, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

flowlow (anonymous) says...

And that comment was not placing blame on Ms. Cox, it was just a speculation ...

April 18, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

RE:driversdaughter, I'm so sorry honey, I dont want to hurt your Mom, I just want to stop going to these kind of needless funerals. This makes my 6th with the same identical circumstances, 3 in South Carolina, 2 in Texas, and 1 in Florida that happened two weeks ago, and ALL of them involving someone thoughtlessly pulling out in front of a motorcycle. Your a wonderful & loving daughter to speak up for your Mom this way. She's very blessed & lucky to have you for her daughter. I still want to get the petitions going and get these laws updated, but to comfort you I will say that whatever changes are made will not likely affect your Mom. "Its always the children who suffer the sins of the parents". May God Bless & heal everyone affected by this tragedy. {{{huugzzz}}} JDV

April 18, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

RE: SomeTruthPLease, Thank you for that supportive & thoughtful post, I really appreciate it. If you would like to get involved you can email me though this page. I want to get a draft started on the new law and what we feel needs to be included in it. Get it in the petition and start the circulations. Any ideas are welcome, I've had a couple of Nicole's friends volunteer their help also. Nicole's funeral is tomorrow. I have to get my boys suits ready.

April 18, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

RE: "flowlow" Your post was concise, factual, and 100% correct. I wish every person driving in this overcrowded town would open thier eyes, read what you wrote, and just obey the laws of the road that we all had to learn at one time in order to pass our drivers exams. It would save so many people so much grief.

April 18, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

This is a first draft of the new petition for "Nicole & Barry's Law-Vehicular Manslaughter in SC" this petition can also be emailed, printed out, circulated in any manner. Here is the link : http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/pl...

April 18, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...

https://sword.doc.state.sc.us/incarce...

This is the location of the fellow that hit and killed Ofcs. Bell and Wright...charged with Reckless Homicide...yes, the situation was very different, but outcomes the same..2 lives lost. It is something for EVERYONE to consider when driving a car and not paying one ounce of attention. I'm not going to assume why Ms. Cox didn't see these two, or if she assumed that a motorcycle can stop in half the distance that a car could. I would not, for one second, want to bear the guilt of having made the decision that she did. People that only drive cars usually have no respect for anyone on a motorcycle. Noone considers their car a weapon until something horrible happens. I pray for Ms. Cox, I really do. I cannot imagine the heartache of being at that scene the other day. I will reiterate my point on cell phone use...use it for emergencies...don't spent 30 minutes on the road, 25 of those minutes gabbing on the phone. I know too many people have the attention span of a gnat, and do most of their talking while on the road. I don't have a cell anymore, and don't want one. When I drive, I look forward. At intersections, I look both directions when the light turns green, because I know some people think a red light means "slow down". And I NEVER, EVER brazenly try to cut into traffic..i'm famous for taking the right hand turn, taking a left into a parking lot, and then getting into traffic to get where I'm going. My car was totalled three years ago when two lanes of traffic stopped to let a car take a left into a parking lot, and I t-boned them as soon as they pulled into my lane. Had I not locked up the brakes when I did, the three "kids" in that car could have been killed. Their parents insurance had to buy me another car. Pay attention, or get off the road. I left Summerville over a year ago because of the traffic and the horrific overpopulation. I had lived there since 1968, and no longer consider it home.

April 18, 2008 at 6:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

AMEN!! SOMETRUTHPLEASE! may every word of that comment go from your mouth to God & the people of Summerville's ears! I've lived here almost 15 years and I literally dread having to drive anywhere anymore. They keep moving more & more people in everyday and yet we have the road capacity of a one horse town! This is the 21st century people and we are going to have to STOP relying on faceless city councilmen and law makers to "take care of it". I know everyone has all they can do to make it from paycheck to paycheck, and we are all tired at the end of the day, but the time has come that we can no longer let "the people in charge" continue to make money based, poorly thought out laws and decisions for us! Please go read the petition for Barry & Nicole and consider signing, we have to start somewhere.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/pl...

THIS IS A PETITION CALLED "Nicole & Barry's Law- Vehicular Manslaughter in South Carolina".

PLEASE SIGN, REPOST, MASS EMAIL IT, GET YOUR FRIENDS TO SIGN & REPOST,CIRCULATE THIS UNTIL WE GET THIS LAW PASSED. IF YOU HAVE ANY IMPROVEMENTS YOU CAN SUGGEST I WOULD WELCOME TO HEAR THEM. THANK YOU.

April 18, 2008 at 7:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...

"Reckless homicide" is defined at S.C. Code Ann. §56-5-2910 (Supp. 2000). (3) Section 56-5-2910 provides that "[w]hen the death of a person ensues within one year (4) as a proximate result of injury received by the driving of a vehicle in reckless disregard of the safety of others, the person operating the vehicle is guilty of reckless homicide. . . ."

Reckless homicide requires proof that the defendant (1) operated an automobile (2) in reckless disregard for the safety of others; (3) the defendant's conduct proximately caused injury to the victim, and (4) within one year, the victim died as a result of these injuries.

Murder does not require the operation of an automobile. In addition, murder requires malice, either express or implied, whereas reckless homicide requires recklessness. (5) Strict application of the elements test leads to the conclusion that reckless homicide is not a lesser included offense of murder.

JDV, this might be the Code you're looking for. It does seem to fit the situation. Criteria #2 would be "iffy", as I think this was purely accidental...but the burden would be in proving otherwise. I would quite simply hate to be in Ms. Cox's shoes. This is horrible, all the way around.

April 18, 2008 at 9:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...

JDV, I would also like to add that there is a wonderful book about the town of Summerville, called "Porch Rocker Recollections"...about Summerville in it's "Heydey". I wonder what a book about Summerville would be called, if published in 50 years, reflecting on the "today" Summerville...I know..it'll be called "Hindsight is 20/20...Reflections on a Ruined Town". I got out of Dodge when they put in more Section 8...I was raised in town, on West Carolina Ave., and I remember roller skating around the Presbyterian Church. I wouldn't dream of letting my children attempt that now. The town I knew and loved is now gone, and a million tract houses are in it's place. My family is still there, but they can afford a $600k home on S. Magnolia, whereas I'm not so lucky. Or is that lucky? They seem "stuck", to me. I may not be "upwardly" mobile, but I sure am "outwardly" mobile. Don't miss it, at all. Mr. Rosebrock has very good ideas, if anyone would listen.

April 18, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

You are so right STP, I use to love it here so much, but your absolutely right. More and more I find myself looking outward & away from here. But the sprawl & congestion just keeps moving in suffocating anything that was once beautiful & good here. Watching the trees, 100 year old oaks, being cut down with ruthless abandon with no thought past who gets to profit from it. Its sickening & it breaks my heart. I'm going to see if I can find the book you mention, maybe they have finally killed the heart of Summerville but I would love the comfort of having a book showing what it used to be. All just a faded memory now.

April 18, 2008 at 10:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

Hey STP I just found & bought the book by Margaret Scott Twist on amazon just now!! {{huuggzzz}} and many thanks! JDV

April 18, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...

You will LOVE it...if you turn at the Baptist Church, toward Summerville Plaza...you will nearly swipe a beautiful tree on the right hand side of the road...old 1800s house sitting at and angle to the road...that's where I grew up...we even had a coal cellar! I swear, I won't be able to stomach the day they take that tree down. Third house on the right. The house sits on an angle because the hallway downstairs straddled the old county line...I have always loved old homes and architecture...so years back, the original owners could have been in the living room, and in the bedroom, and not even have been in the same county! There was no Dorchester, if I have this right, but it would have been Berkeley and Colleton...could be wrong, but I don't think so. You will absolutely LOVE the book...it shows the old train depot, many of the old homes and their histories...if you really want to do something interesting, go look at the old graves surrounding St. Paul's Episcopal...they are some of the most beautiful you've seen. My sister just bought the house on S. Magnolia, and refused to patch the cracks that appeared during the Earthquake that rocked Summerville many years back. There's magnificent history to that lost town...Elizabeth Arden summered there, as did Roosevelt. The house that sits at the corner of W. Carolina and Marion Ave (the Sullivan House) was at one time a CASINO, of all things! A CASINO! IN THE BIBLE BELT! Imagine that. I wish I could describe Summerville in the 60s and 70s to you...I miss it.

April 18, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

It sounds like the place I always wanted to be. And I missed it..

April 18, 2008 at 10:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

Apr 19, 2008 5:10 PM
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL @ 7 TONIGHT 4 NICOLE & BARRY-PLZ COME
IT WILL BE HELD AT THE ACCIDENT SIGHT AT ON DORCHESTER RD IN SUMMERVILLE.

PLEASE COME!!!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/pl...

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION FOR "NICOLE & BARRY'S LAW"!
NO $$ DONATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN !!
PLEASE DO NOT USE THE "ANONYMOUS" FEATURE IF POSSIBLE & PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT OF SUPPORT, IT WILL HAVE MORE IMPACT THIS WAY, WE ARE GOING TO DO OUR BEST TO TRY AND GET THIS LAW PASSED, WE NEED YOUR HELP- PLEASE REPOST, REPOST, REPOST!!

April 19, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

LMMFOREVER (anonymous) says...

FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT IT IS VERY SAD THAT TWO YOUNG LIVES HAVE BEEN LOST. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THEIR LOVED ONES. I DID NOT KNOW BARRY OR NICLOE BUT I DO KNOW MRS COX. I HAVE KNOWN HER FOR TWENTY YEARS. SHE IS A VERY KIND, CARING, AND LOVING WOMEN. JUST AS THE LOVED ONES OF BARRY AND NICOLES LIVES HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOREVER SO HAS HERS. IF ANY OF YOU OUT THERE THINK THAT MRS COX HAS HAD ONE SECOND OF SANITY OR PEACE OF MIND SINCE THIS TRAGIC ACCIDENT HAPPENED YOU ARE WRONG. SHE IS NOT AND WAS NOT SOME CARELESS DRIVER AS SOMEONE ON THIS SITE PUT IT MAKING HER OWN RULES FOR THE ROAD, SHE WAS ON HER WAY HOME FROM WORK. I SEE FROM THE COMMENTS WRITTEN THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE QUICK TO JUDGE AND THAT IS NOT RIGHT. SHE DID NOT WITH INTENT, RECKLESSNESS, MALICE OR ANY OTHER WORD YOU CHOOSE TO USE DO THIS . IT WAS AN ACCIDENT. WHAT SHE IS GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW AND WILL CONTINUE TO CARRY WITH HER FOREVER IS MORE PUNISHMENT THAN ANY COURT IN THIS UNIVERSE COULD PUT ON HER. THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO ANY OF US.

April 20, 2008 at 6:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

moonpie (anonymous) says...

Sounds like she did cut them off and it's unfortunate it was a motorcycle. If it was another vehicle it could have been a very different outcome. This happens every day in Charleston traffic but if your on a motorcycle you usually lose that impact I'm afraid.

April 20, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

clemson_nurse (anonymous) says...

Do you all really think that Ms. Cox was driving her car around like a maniac and intentionally hit these people riding on their motorcycle? I think there is more to it then her driving around like an "inconsiderate buttwipe". She obviously didn't see them and it was a terrible accident. It's awful that 2 people died and I'm sure the families are distraught and she has to live with knowing her actions killed 2 people. You all cannot tell me that out of these 72 comments that none of you have EVER been in a car ACCIDENT. Everyone needs to always give driving their full attention, whether you are driving a regular car, a motorcycle, or a crotch rocket and please wear a helmet because ACCIDENTS do happen!

April 22, 2008 at 12:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Lis2977 (anonymous) says...

I completely agree with the nurse up there. I think it's funny that people are such hypocrites. You're sitting here calling her names and spending WAY too much energy and time using a tragedy just to make drama and run off at the mouth. If you agree that this is a true tragedy, then stop using it as a forum for bikers and non-bikers. There are 5 people in my family that ride, and they will tell you it is at their own risk. Two people died here. About 60 comments ago the Uncle of the girl asked you to please stop this and just pray for everyone. Ms. Cox is human. She hasn't eaten in two weeks and can barely function. Useless, all of you. Either start saying prayers for the family or leave it alone. Please.

April 25, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Bodine (anonymous) says...

My heart goes out to the families. A tragic loss that can't be erased no matter how much all parties would like to. I approach the 1 yr anniversary of an accident that nearly killed me.As it was stated earlier, it is true that helmets are only rated to 35 mph impacts. Realistically, the medical world accepts that above that speed a helmet is NOT going to be a factor.At 30-35 mph, I was broadsided by a car who's driver although stopped at a stop sign and under no pressure from traffic failed to see a bright red full dresser with 3 headlights on coming at them in broad daylight.(note my speed & the attention factor).

The problem was simple. Not enough attention was payed to the deadly responsibility of operating a motor vehicle. No, they did not go out that day wanting to hurt anyone. Yes, it was an accident. Yes, I do feel for the pain and torment they went through while wondering if they killed me. I forgave them that day for the accident.
I cannot forgive the driving habits that nearly killed me. To do that will excuse it to happen again, the next time possibly deadly for someone.
If actions don't negate results, why do alcohol related accidents get their own set of records? Because driving impaired is against the law,(thank God).
What part of failure to yield, the biggest cause of cycle deaths, is not also against the law? They both cause way too many deaths, and eliminating both would stop occurrences of loss more than helmets or seat belts. See, the reason for majority incidents erased,.. the end results of the same incidents are just as erased. Ignoring these issues allows us to excuse our occasional "need" to "bend " the laws meant to protect us when our own needs are more important. We just don't want to accept that it sometimes comes at an irreversible cost. Sad, but true.

My heart goes out to all involved in this. I pray everyone is calmed by the peace that eventually comes. The blaming, hating, & finger pointing behind you must be replaced by an open acceptance of responsibility. We need not personalize it..just recognize it. I saw 1rst hand the responcebility lies in hands of right of way infractions, no matter how they come to be. It can't happen for any reason especialy one that was caused purely by our need to fly through life with too much on our plates to allow common sense to prevail.
I found this site while surfing the issue that also took me down. I'm in Ohio and it's as important to me even when I don't know any of the people ivolved. (don't personalize the issue- personalize the people).
I know some will understand me and some will call me a fool. Sorry about your shortcomings that disallow an open mind. That can only be adressed by the individual who needs to before they find one of their loved ones on the loosing end of this debate. I pray it doesn't happen. Contact me if you can & choose to. I'd be happy to respond to anyone. Take me for who I am,

A rider taken down, but not silenced.

Bodine

April 28, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDV (anonymous) says...

Thank you Bodine, someone needed to call attention to who the real victims were that day. They are the ones that matter. I may pity Mrs. Cox, but she's alive, can't you others be happy with that? Instead you slam people who have the AUDACITY to complain because their friends are now dead. How DARE YOU??! You are the lucky ones, you didnt have to go to any funerals, did you? Shut up already, your Mrs. Cox is alive & well. You can go see her whenever you want, call her up on the phone. If we want to see our friends we have to go to the cemetery. And now you want to deny us the right to even complain...how dare you.

April 28, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jcs (anonymous) says...

Barry Love was my step-brother since he was 8. To all of those wondering, the driver of the car was completely at fault. I have contacted the highway patrol to see if a charge will be filed. We are hoping for AT LEAST a traffic citation.

To make things worse, as we were leaving Barry's funeral to go home to Florida, the Cottageville Police Department pulled my brother over in a speed trap. I pulled over to wait, and after telling the police officer that I was with my brother, and that we were leaving our brother's funeral, he decided to give me a ticket as well. We were watching all of the signs, and never saw one drop from 45 to 35.

I am furious that us, driving safely especially since we just buried our brother were given citations, and this woman is yet to even have a traffic ticket.

The Highway Patrol in Summerville has been polite to our family, and Cottageville police is a different department-but clearly something is wrong here.

May 1, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Lve (anonymous) says...

JCS
Ms.Cox was given a citation earlier this week for failure to yield. I am sorry for your loss. This is a tragedy that has changed many lives forever.

May 2, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

driversdaughter (anonymous) says...

okay so to all that is upset with the driver im sorry she is suffering more and more everyday nothing can ease the pain she has this woman will never be the same ever again she is mentally not okay i understand and feel everyones lost but like i said before this isnt something she planned on happening she didnt see them coming and thats that yes two lives were lost and we are praying for the families and friends of this two kids and yea she was charged with something but that dont make it any easier for anyone the family or her so to everyone out there putting her down please just put ur self in her shoes for a min and realize how tramatizing this is for her also. dont judge someone util u yourself know how that person must feel

May 5, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Bodine (anonymous) says...

TO DRIVERSDAUGHTER AND ALL OTHERS

Mrs. Cox is, without a doubt, going through the worst torment of her life. To you Ma'am, I send my honest appeal for prayers to be said, and answered for your behalf. You can't turn back time no matter how much you want to. I'm sure you would in a second if you could.

For family and friends of those lost, I pray the memories are plentiful and that during the darkest of times, you find peace in those memories that no person or time can ever take away from you.

As I wrote earlier, I too was hit by a car while riding my Harley to work. I was extremely lucky, and spent a great deal of time trying to sort it all out. Some of you may not accept this, but I DID forgive the person that day.

Neither of us wanted that day to turn out the way it did. You play the hand you're delt. As I also wrote, I can't forgive the driving habits that caused my accident. They need to stop and change forever if we are to stop the loss it creates.

Who drove the car that hit me means less to me than how they drove it. This gets pretty touchy now as you address driving habits instead of drivers. While some see victims and some see villains, I see actions that can bring tragic results.

A conscious effort has to be made to allow enough time in our day to carry out the tasks required and not do it at a break neck pace that throws caution to the wind.

WE ALL DO IT. And we all need to stop it. The hurt Mrs. Cox is going through could easily end up on any one's door step tomorrow. Think of that when you impatiently "jump" into traffic, or make that sudden stop to turn, or pull out in front of someone only to go half a block to turn left. Did you cuss the last person who did it to you?

Do the right thing for Nicole and Barry. Find the strength and courage to fight for other peoples safety. Get active locally to promote safety and awareness for all drivers. In their name you can promote motorcycle safety and awareness programs and can help to inform the public of the dangers of visibility, and the growing use of cycles.

Take this tragedy and turn it into a useful movement. You may never know how much you've done for someone else, but if you stop one person from feeling your hurt, would it be worth the effort?

You've seen what can happen in the blink of an eye. I've had it happen to me. If one thing has come out of my experience, it has been to push the awareness of riders out there. It's up to us to look for them.

Life is too short to not have time to be safe and to act and drive safely. Some one's life depends on it.

I was a rider taken down but not silenced on May 12th 2007. In the year since, I've grown to learn the meaning of life.

Thanks goes out to the paper for allowing this to happen.

Once again, I hope all involved are healing from this traggic accident. My thoughts are with you all.

Bodine

May 6, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jcs (anonymous) says...

The entire family understands what Ms. Cox must be going through, it must be a terrible thing to live with and go through. But still, be happy you are not on the other side, where two mere children, full of life have disappeared from this world in a terrible way. These deaths are not something easy to accept. I am only 25 and I have gotten to do things that my step brother will never have the chance to do. He will be absent from every single family holiday for the rest of our lives. There will always be an absence. Every time something happy happens, we will think how he will never get the chance to do it. Like get married, graduate, and have children of his own. Even as Christians, and myself a new lawyer, there is no way to rationalize something so terrible happening-to someone so very special.

We are not out for vengance, but with the law there are consequences that we are all held to. No matter what type of person someone is, or how good a heart, unfortunately these things happen, and she should still be held accountable under the law-as we all should.

If she does feel horrible, then she should gladly accept the consequences. To the daughter of driver, thanks for your thoughts, but be thankful you are on the side of the family member who is alive. Your mother is in our prayers as well.

Everyone please remember this tragedy, and if you have a motorcycle-sell it. But the point is, motorcycles are not illegal in this state, it is not illegal to not have on a helmet (although they were about to pull into his neighborhood to get them-not likely to have saved them), but it is illegal to drive recklessly (or fail to yield-however you desire to classify this).

May 17, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Bodine (anonymous) says...

JCS, my heart goes out to you.

If you don't mind, let me review. After your opening sentence, as I read it, it goes something like this. A 19 & 20 yr old were "lost in a terrible way" (accident?) No death is easy to accept. You out lived him by 5 yrs.

Yes, death pretty much is forever. It's reality, the younger the deceased, the more life tends to have meaning. I still miss my Grandparents and Father. And I miss my brother-in-law who, at 13 (in 1983), was ran down in the road by a man 3 times legal limit of alcohol,(also died). Did it make our loss easier? Of course not. Our loved ones are special to us, but in God's eyes is one better than another? Death is permanent & tragic in this life.

Absolutely laws do & should have consequences. "Unfortunately these things happen"...(accidents?) Yes, your right and as reported (if true) she was held accountable (cited).

Of course she feels horrible, (gladly?) or not, she was cited or did you miss that? You now show compassion to them, bravo!

Now, your age 25, an attorney & a family member was involved in a "tragedy". His state, as I've read it lacks other laws on the books to penalize bad driving habits that costs lives. Did you read my other posts? Helmets as sold in ALL STATES are only required to pass 35mph tests. That in itself is a joke. More times than not, they don't help. What helps in most cases is to not be pulled in front of.

If the best you can do for Barry is tell everyone else who rides to sell them, I feel sorry for you. You make him guilty of improper activities in doing so. Reckless driving is illegal as is "failure to yield"... 2/3s of the 75% of accidents caused by other drivers were just that.

I have to wounder if the inability to say "accident", or to do more to pass judgement then to realise as others do that the laws need to be addressed, or even worse if your wish for all bikes to be sold is your way of facing reality that it could be you hitting someone. Like I said WE ALL DO IT. Drive responsibly, look out for others, keep it from being repeated. There will always be stupid driveing habits in all vehicles. I don't think Barry did anything but take a friend for a ride. Fate took it from their.

Fight to change laws, make punishment be the deterrent. You are going to see more bikes in this economy so face it. And respect them until it's not deserved. Then report them. Just give them the respect you want.

I'm 51, like Mrs. Cox. The person who hit me was 27. Don't let ages be a judge. Take 30 min to Google MC accident stats. Better yet visit bacsuv.com if you care about lost loved ones on bikes or if you ride.

We do grieve your loss as anyone should. You need to accept NOBODY WANTED THAT DAY TO TURN OUT AS IT DID! Yes, their gone tragically accidentally forever. Not shot stabbed or RAN DOWN BY A DRUNK. An Attorney could do a lot for them in their name if you focus on what needs to change.

Bodine
http://bacsuv.com/ It can't hurt you.

May 19, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jcs (anonymous) says...

First, let me address why I said "gladly": Unfortunately there are people out there who feel no remorse for things that happen, and things that happen when they are careless. As a family member, I would prefer that someone is sorry for a mistake, rather than not caring at all that it happened.

My energy, and much of my future yes-will be toward changing laws. However, I do not know my standpoint on this matter yet, I probably won't know that until the heartbreak of losing a loved one, the grief subsides. I have a feeling of a lack of justice, but its hard to know how accurate that is while I am still grieving. Before you judge what we should do in Barry's name, understand this-for the moment, we are family in deep sorrow, trying to survive yes-a tragedy. We are trying to rebuild our lives and take care of eachother through this terrible time.

I understand Ms. Cox was cited for failing to yield. But I think that most people understand that when a traffic accident results in serious bodily injury or death, the ramifications are typically higher than paying a citation (likely lower price than speeding). The fact that it was not a drunk or a murderer who caused this to happen is well understood, and is why we have compassion for Ms. Cox-as anyone should. Like we are trying to deal with this, she too will have to live with her mistake cost two lives.

I do not appreciate the allegation that I probably drive recklessly or fail to yield on a regular basis, I am a safe driver (and I was before Barry died), and Barry speedometer was at 19mph-he was driving safe too.

My energy could be used to make change, but right now its on finishing school, and studying for bar-because I know Barry would want me to do that. Oh-its also about trying to help my parents survive this.

May 21, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Bodine (anonymous) says...

Good Luck on the bar exam.

When you said your a "new lawyer", we would assume you'd done that already. Maybe your going for another state! Good luck! I didn't imply you did anything on a regular basis, I only stated it as it is. WE ALL DO IT. Not drive recklessly, but get in a hurry over day to day tasks & the pressures that they bring. I'm not convicting you of anything, but see life as it is. In law school, disrupted by the travel & time off for a death in the family? Come on, you have more pressure than 90% of your piers I would bet. I commend you for dealing with it, but don't think for 1 min. you don't, on occasion, drift from full attention on what your doing. You'd be fooling yourself but no one else. WE ALL DO IT!

Now, I'm NOT saying that's what Mrs. Cox did, I don't know. What is obvious is that without intention, an accident took place because she was in Barry & Nichole's right of way. A right of way infraction caused 2/3s of the 75% of MC accidents according to NHTSA in 2006. If for 1 second you can see this through the eyes of a parent or "Brother in Law" of the kid next door who has not been made a statistic yet you find an issue that NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

Since apparently your still in school, have bars to pass, & grieving to continue, your probably too busy to care about anyone else. Your plate is pretty full, & your schedule won't allow wasted time.

So there you are racing through life, bettering yourself, being far more responsible than most people your age. Doing all you can to be a good person. But you "build in the possibility" of not looking that 2nd time. Or turning on red soon as you can not seeing the bike coming. Or spilling something slowing for a left turn and looking at it when you should have seen the bike you just turned in front of.

I'm NOT CONVICTING ANYONE. I'm TRYING TO WAKE UP PEOPLE LIKE THE ONE WHO ALMOST (ACCIDENTALY) KILLED ME. It's too late for Barry & Nichole. It's no reason to silence the issue unless your just that selfish & I don't think you are. I also don't think you mean to imply she is one of those who doesn't feel remorse. How dare you imply that if you didn't then why bring it up?

The avr. speed at impact in fatal MC crashes is less than 25 mph. 30 mph just prior to impact.

Look up the facts and scream about them to anyone you can. LET'S STOP THE KILLING!!!

Stop making it personal. It's always personal to the involved. Wouldn't you rather it be personal to everyone BEFORE TRAGEDY STRIKES? If someone could have got this through to Mrs. Cox a few months ago, we wouldn't be here now. Wouldn't that be have been great.

Prayers still go out to you & family, & all. Such a tragic loss! Such a senseless preventable accident! Such a need for driving education & tolerance.

Bodine

May 22, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Bodine (anonymous) says...

JCS

It stuck me as odd that you can voice the "injustice" of a speed trap busting you on your way home from Barry's funeral. You, before even knowing when or if a citation would be issued, were more concerned with yours being as high or higher penalty for a bull crap local speed trap knowing that at the same time there was no penalty for taking 2 lives better then failure to yield.

In the eyes of any mature, reasonably thinking person, I think that was one of the best things I've heard come from you yet. You are ABSOLUTLY RIGHT. How much more obvious can injustice be?

Please understand that I don't intend to attack you for how you deal with your tragedy. I've been as close to being on the same loosing end as Barry & Nichole was, and it isn't very much justice to me either, knowing that facing the fact they are accidents doesn't ease the reality that too many of them could have been avoided simply by someone driving with ALL their attention on driving... without distraction.

The reality is when dealing with someone on a motorcycle, they stand a far better chance of not walking away from it.

Their choice of enjoying riding does not make them responsible for their injuries when brought on at the hands of another. It does make other drivers more responsible to see them. Think of it like swimming. You going doesn't make anyone more responsible as to if you know how, or not. But when you're there swimming the life guard is still responsible for you, not knowing if you can or not. Now, everyone around you gets the same attention as you do. It's a lot to deal with, for one person, but it's what has to be done in the name of safety.

Once again, I mourn your loss, pray for all involved, including Mrs. Cox & family. I pray also everyday that the killing stops. All it would take in these cases is a few seconds more time & effort for safety.

The other HUGE issue is the lack of penalty for taking a life in this fashion. This is NOT aimed at ANYONE. It is out of the reality that penalties for laws are issued as deterrents to AVOID the loss that he law being broken causes. I don't believe hanging someone out to dry solves as much as the threat of it happening does as a deterrent to it happening in the first place. Think of the death penalty or life sentences for murder.

The laws are there for a reason, and some carry stiffer penalties than others. It's the system we have that works (usually). What South Carolina needs are laws on the books that protect the interest of innocent people who are hurt or killed on a regular basis on motorcycles. More times than not by someone who "didn't see them coming".

Jailing people is not the answer, educating them & making them aware of stiff penalties for unsafe driving practices is a far better answer. The court system is there for it's reason. It will run it's course & hopefully be justified in it's actions. It's the best we can hope for.

May 23, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MichelleG2008 (anonymous) says...

first off, who are you people to comment on someones elses life and how it ended. Dorchester County Coroner Chris nesbit did the autopsy and stated that they would not have survived the impact with or without helmets! and yes the woman was a 52 yr old woman who was talking on her cell and was impatient sitting in 5:00 traffic and took a short cut, she didnt even stop at the stop sign! FAILURE TO YEILD!! to this day she has not been cited any tickets, served no jail time and got off scotch free after killing two teenagers, not to mention she was MY SISTER!! I honestly hope she lives with the memory of taking two young lives because of her careless actions for the rest of her life! I hope the state of SC will soon have involuntary manslaughter or vehicular manslaughter because of reasons like this. I will forever have to live with this and it is the most hurtful thing i have ever been through! I love and miss you very much babygirl you will remain in my heart and prayers until we meet again! Michelle G~

September 23, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MichelleG2008 (anonymous) says...

In my pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole.
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, Its the memories of YOU that are the MOST precious!

September 23, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Bodine (anonymous) says...

MichelleG2008,
This is the 3rd time I tried to do this. The last 2 disappeared in front of my eyes for unknown reasons.
I'm sorry you think we shouldn't have comments on the lives of 2 people who've been represented by this comment page, or the fact their lives ended, which started it. I, for one care about the loss, never mind the fact I didn't know them & live in Ohio.
I found this site while seeking out others, like me, who were taken out by a distracted, dangerous, driver who was guilty (though in this case not in the eyes of the law), of a right of way (ROW) violation.
It happened to me 5/12/07. I don't hate the girl who hit me, but hate the actions that caused it. Driving needs to be taken more seriously and when actions cause injury or death, there needs to be a price to pay.
Murder is illegal to help avoid it from happening. Makes sense to me.
I've worked since March on this cause & still don't have all the answers. I got a lot of inspiration & feed back from friends I've made at a website for motorcycle accident survivors support. I know Barry & Nichole were not survivors, but those who are speak for those who don't. That's why I say I'm a rider taken down but not silenced.
I hope something good can come of this & bring about changes in the laws regarding failure to yield & ROW violators. I strongly suggest that you focus on that. Seek help from your state representatives in your area. Believe me, I've written & e mailed mine about my accident & it's cause, & they do listen. Make them tired of hearing from you if you want. The more effort you give, the more serious they'll take you. They will respond to constant raising of issues.
I took the petition application to the web site I mentioned before and posted it in their forum. People from all over the world can use it to offer their support. It's one small thing I could do for Barry & Nichole. Although I didn't know them, & live in Ohio, I support any effort to seek justice for such a tragic loss. It happens too often. It almost cost me my life.
If you're interested, the site is www.bacsuv.com. You may find it interesting, or maybe not. Just a thought. Sorry you feel I don't deserve to comment on this, but after almost paying the price myself, I do care about the issue.
I deal with neck, shoulder, hand, hip, leg, & feet issues daily, but I'm alive. I don't hate the girl who hit me. I hate how it happened. Dangerous, distracted driving & failure to yield/right of way violators must be held accountable for their actions.
We all need to be more responsible behind the wheel. All too often, an "innocent" action brings tragic results. Laws on the books are the best answer I see to bring about a more responsible driving public.
Any comments are welcome. If I can be of any help, I'd be happy to support their memory any way I can. God bless you & all involved. My prayers are still with you.
Bodine

October 10, 2008 at 11:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Lve (anonymous) says...

MichelleG2008:
I am very sorry for your loss. I understand you are in a type of pain that will never truly go away. Your wish that Ms.Cox will live with the memory will most certainly be granted. Every family member and friend of all parties were affected that day. It was a tragic accident, but it was an accident. Ms.Cox did not set out to murder anyone that day. She did not set out with the intention of taking away your sister. To group her with a murderer that intentionally goes out to do harm will not help anyone and will not bring back your sister. If Ms.Cox could change that day, she most certainly would. Anything you say to her will not be any worse than what she thinks of herself. She is also a sister, a daughter, a mother and a grandmother. She is a person. She has not healed, recovered or moved on from April 15th. She probably never will. I realize that this is still nothing compared to the pain both you and your family have been through.
I pray that you are never responsible for a accident that someone is injured or dies from. I pray that your family never has to see you suffer from your mistakes. I pray that someday you may be able to forgive. I pray that someday Ms.Cox may be able to forgive herself as well.

December 8, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )