IN WHAT is surely one of the most horrific road traffic accident to involve motorbikes in recent years, the details of how seven bikers were killed when their convoy was struck by a truck driver just emphasises the senselessness of the situation.
If you are yet to come across this story, on June 21 in New Hampshire a group of bikers from the Jarheads Motorcycle Club – made up of marines, veterans and their spouses – were struck by a heavy duty flat-bed truck driven by Volodymyr Zhukovskyy, 23, killing seven of them.
The victims were: Michael Ferazzi, 62, of Contoocook, New Hampshire; Albert Mazza Jr., 59, of Lee, New Hampshire; Desma Oakes, 42, of Concord, New Hampshire; Aaron Perry, 45, of Farmington, New Hampshire; Daniel Pereira, 58, of Riverside, Rhode Island; and Jo-Ann and Edward Corr, both 58, of Lakeville, Massachusetts.
Tragically, it seems the accident was entirely preventable simply because Zhukovskyy shouldn’t have been on the road at all having accumulated a series of traffic violations, including a DUI and speeding.
The revelation sparked outrage that he was able to gain employment with a delivery firm, or not been disqualified from driving entirely. Indeed, Zhukovskyy’s refusal to take a sobriety test in one of his arrests should have resulted in his licence being suspended.
The revelation will spark more outrage in what in an already desperate situation for the families and friends of the multiple victims involved.
Zhukovskyy has pleaded not guilty to the charge of negligent homicide
Beyond the horrifying unfolding details, the Jarheads Motorcycle Club has focused on honouring its victims, with a ride-out to commemorate the seven attracting thousands to the road.
A statement from the Jarheads Motorcycle Club on 10 July read:
"I want to thank you on behalf of Jarheads MC for the continued love and support. Money coming in from kids’ lemonade stands, and ice cream shops across the country. Businesses we have never met or dealt with have reached out, and while we mourn our fallen, it's a blessing to know that such caring does still exist today. Thank you so much!
"We wanted to share with you that the Fallen 7's GOFUNDME is climbing, thanks to all of you. Please keep sharing the link! The legal process will likely be long, and we don't know how much financial help we can receive from those actions, so every bit helps. There are medical expenses, and numerous other burdens that come from the loss of a loved one
