Investigators say a suspected drunk driver of a pickup made a left turn into Sunny’s Market, directly in front of an oncoming motorcycle carrying two people.
“There’s no skid marks, no brake. They didn’t even realize that truck was pulling in front of them. They had no time to stop at all,” said Brett Weaver, a witness.
Brett Weaver was passing through the area moments after the crash occurred.
“When I pulled up there was really shallow breathing in both their chests,” said Weaver.
The man and woman on the bike were flown to the hospital where they both died. Weaver’s heart aches for them and their families.
“To see an innocent couple like that just enjoying their motorcycle, riding down the road, then a drunk driver killing them. It’s terrible,” said Weaver.
C.H.P. says the accused drunk driver is Gary Ragsdale, a 41-year old man from Madera ranchos. He and the woman in the truck were not seriously injured.
Investigators are not releasing specific information about the victims.
“Both are husband and wife from Ahwhanee. Avid motorcyclists,” said C.H.P. Officer Joseph Miller.
He was 61 and she was 52. Both were wearing safety gear, like helmets, but the impact was too much to overcome.
This crash comes during motorcycle safety awareness month. That’s why you see caution signs lit up along freeways right now. Officer Miller says watch carefully for bikers and most importantly…
“If you choose to drink don’t drive and if you choose to drive don’t drink. It’s that simple,” said Officer Miller.