Peabody Teacher's Aide Killed In Motorcycle Crash

PITTSBURGH,None — A Peabody teacher's aide was killed in a motorcycle accident on Washington Avenue in Homewood Thursday.

Police said William Hargrove, 33, tried to swerve and miss a van that pulled out into the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Frankstown Avenue.

Witnesses said a woman from a nearby gas station tried to give Hargrove CPR. Paramedics said he wasn't wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, but said a helmet would likely not have prevented his death judging by the way he landed.

Hargrove's mother, Pam Burse said he was a teacher's aide at Peabody High School, an assistant football coach at Westinghouse High School and the head basketball coach at Faison High School. Burse said he was also a star quarterback at Peabody while he was in high school.

Hargrove was also a husband and father of four.

"He's a dedicated father, dedicated son and brother. Anytime I needed him he was right there," said Burse.

His sisters told Channel 11 News reporter Vince Sims that he loved sports and that they always looked up to him.

"He was my twin. He was everything that I am and more. He was older, so a little wiser," said his sister Joann Hargrove.

"I feel like I lost my best friend," said Hargrove's younger sister Clarice Burse. ""He worked at my school, he made sure everything was okay. I'm just happy he got to see me graduate."

His mother said she had warned him about not wearing a helmet while he was riding his motorcycle.

"I was nervous, real nervous. I always told him to wear his helmet," Burse said.

The grieving family said they hope others can learn from this tragedy.

"Always wear your helmet. And I want truck drivers, bus drivers, car drivers to know ya'll aren't the only ones on the road," said Clarice.

"Please please always wear your helmet," Joann said. "They are made for a reason. They are made to protect you."

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