HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A local community is dealing with two deadly motorcycle crashes in fewer than 24 hours. They happened last week in Hopewell Township.
“When you see something like that happen, it’s pretty disheartening,” Hopewell Police Chief Donald Sedlacek said. “Our heart breaks for them.”
A makeshift memorial now sits on Brodhead Road. It’s the site of the crash that took the life of 23-year-old Christian McKenzie just hours after 24-year-old Josiah Hufnagel died in a crash nearby.
It’s a nightmare for families and friends, but also responding officers. Sedlacek says he brought in Beaver County Mental Health to check in on his first responders.
“The old school thought was ‘you’re a police officer. This is what you deal with,’” he said. “Mental health, fitness and wellness has got to be on the frontline today with law enforcement.”
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Also on Sedlacek’s mind, preventing this from happening again.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle fatalities rose 11% from 2019 to 2020. The 5,579 motorcyclists killed was the highest total since 1975.
“Most fatalities on motorcycles can be prevented from being more aware of your surroundings, driving safely, not risky, reckless, careless driving.”
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Chief Sedlacek also encourages motorcyclists to wear protective gear, especially a helmet. He says taking a safety course is also a good idea. They are free through PennDOT.
Both crashes are still under investigation.
Link to PennDOT safety course information: https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/Motorcyclists/PAMSP/Pages/default.aspx
TRENDING NOW:
©2022 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/XCUXZC2XYZHCRGNNGKFEX6U3LQ.png)
