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Group revisits tragic East Troy crash scene to mourn motorcyclist taken too soon
Group revisits tragic East Troy crash scene to mourn motorcyclist taken too soon
EAST TROY -- It's been one week since investigators say a driver fell asleep at the wheel and slammed into three motorcycles. One of those riders is dead, and the two others are still recovering from serious injuries. Friends and family members returned to East Troy on Saturday, September 19th.
Andrew Pearson
They are remembering the man they've lost, and praying for the speedy recovery of the other two victims from the crash that occurred on Saturday, September 12th.
Sometimes the people who bring us together in life continue to unite us, even after they depart in death.
"He was pretty much the key to this whole group. Everybody met through him," said Mark Jacox, friend of victim.
The small crowd gathered to remember the man who brought them all together.
"Andy gave all of his heart and soul, without regard for his own person," said Sean Heimritz, friend of victim.
43-year-old Andrew Pearson, died along south Highway 20 and Division Street in East Troy, when the 19-year-old driver of an SUV allegedly fell asleep at the wheel and crossed over into oncoming traffic.
East Troy crash
In a criminal complaint, an eyewitness says that's when he saw "a big ball of fire."
Pearson was killed in the crash. At the time, he was sharing a motorcycle with his wife, Trea. Their friend, Jeffrey Marker, was on another bike. Trea Pearson and Marker, both suffered serious injuries from the incident.
The driver of the SUV did not have a valid license and told police he'd spent the previous night drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana.
"It's one of those accidents that never should have happened and it's changed a lot of lives," said Jacox.
Those who loved Andrew wiped away tears and laid a memorial in his honor -- and they look to his example to guide them through their grief.
"I think a lot of people are upset about him being taken so young, so innocently. But I don't think that is how Andy would have felt. He would have handled it and he would have moved on," said Heimritz.
Andrew Pearson memorial
Friends say the other two victims continue to recover and are still in medical care.
The 19-year-old driver who allegedly caused the crash faces multiple charges including reckless homicide.