A driver performing an illegal u-turn is likely the cause of a motorcyclists death late Sunday afternoon. California Highway Patrol Officer Greg Tassone, says Victoria Smith, a 58 year old woman from Gardnerville Nevada, was driving a small motorhome north bound on highway 49 and realized she was heading the wrong direction and pulled over to the side of the road before turning around.
Click here to listen to Officer Greg Tassone
The solo male rider,35 year old Mathew Duensing of Citrus Heights, on a 1999 Harley Davidson motorcycle, was leading the oncoming traffic and attempted to avoid the vehicle that was midway through the u-turn.
Click here to listen to Officer Greg Tassone
An off duty firefighter was close by and responded to the collision attempting to provide emergency life saving measures to Duensing but was unable to sustain the rider and Duensing succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The incident is still under investigation. Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor. Vehicular manslaughter could be charged pending the results of the investigation.
michael
the lady was in fault.she should and will be charged with the crime.
banana head
You are in out hearts sir...u are and will always be remembered as a caring and loving father...u have always veen a good friend and we will all miss u.. gone but never forgoten
Craig
Prayers to the Family and his daughter, You will be missed.
kim
I'm going to miss you so very very much. And his 7-year-old daughter madelin is going to miss her daddy so very very much
Kaylyn
I know the person that died in this accident I am in shock ! I am in tears right now this is my BESTFRIENDS UNCLE her moms brother ! How could this happen ?
BIGSLAM
Matt you were a good guy may you rest in peace and know that you are missed by your friends here in Oklahoma
Showmethamonet
My brother and only sibling was taken from me. Words could not explain the hurt I am feeling. My family and I are lost. My brother was such an amazing person. He was an amazing father of his 7 year old little girl. My world is torn apart
Melissa
We will miss you Matt.....soo much it hurts! I want you to know I will always be there for your daughter Maddie!!! I just can't believe your gone! R I P
Melissa
You know what's sad??? This woman faces manslaughter and the maximum penalty of five years and will do less than half of that while Matt's daughter maddie will be without her daddy forever....so unfair!
Kathleen, Matthew's Mom
My only Son Matthew was taken from me and my family. My heart breaks to know I will never hear him say “I love you Mom, one last time. If I only could have my time with him back. I love you Matthew and will cherish forever my wonderful memories of you from the time you were a baby and into a man. You were a wonderful father and it brought me such joy to see the love in your eyes every time you looked at your precious little daughter Madeline. We are so sad you will not be here to see her grow up. It comforts me to know a kind soul was with him at the end and he did not die alone.
Marji
I was one of many drivers who saw Matthew dead on the highway. I was deeply saddened by the experience. It was such a lonely sight. I thought of his family and now I know that he has a young daughter. I cannot fathom what she or the rest of Matthew's family and friends are going through. My heartfelt condolences them.
I am still trying to comprehend why anyone would try and perform an illegal, dangerous u-turn on that stretch of 49. The speed limit is 65 mph and most people go faster than that. It's impossible to safely "beat" traffic. How hard could it have been to drive further up the road to a light and safely turn around? Nothing is worth risking your life or, in this case, someone else's to turn around. And now the driver has to live with taking someone else's life and a little girl doesn't have a father.
It's so tragic.
Chelli
You will be missed Matthew. My love goes to your family and of course, Maddie.
Elsie Durgin
My heart goes out to Matthew's family. No one can understand the extent of the shock, grief, and often disbelief that this family is going through. Their life has been changed forever. There is no 'getting over' the loss of your son, brother, and Madeline's daddy. My only son was also on his motorcycle, at a stop light when he was hit from behind by a distracted driver and killed. Not a day goes by that we do not miss Daniel. If I can help Matthew's family by having been there, please contact me. Matthew sounds like a wonderful man and I would love to hear more about him. I am so sorry for your tragic loss.
Madeline Duensing (Matthew's daughter)
Dad you were always there for me even in my darkest hour. You were the best father I could ever ask for. If I could change time I would. You did everything for me. Looking back after more than 4 year reading these comments really made me cry especially because I know most of the people in the comments. I just wished I said one last goodbye....
Tanesha Allen
Oh my word! This is hard to grasp. I didn't know this. He and I went to Highlands together and we clicked fast. Even though he was little he could hold his own. And that's what made me respect him! What a beautiful person he was. God bless him and all of the family. Keep resting buddy.