Teen Killed in Dunes, Family Almost Wishes it Wasn't an Accident

Filed in archive Accidents , ATV Safety , Motorcycle , News , Rants on November 19, 2007

This is David Himmel, 16 years old and a highly experienced motorcycle rider


David Himmel, 16, died Sat at Glamis Dunes when his motorcycle crashed into a dune buggy at high speed. The accident was clearly an "accident", but something the uncle said really got my attention. He said

Blumberg said the collision was at a very high speed, and the culpability likely "lies at a 50-50 split." Alcohol or drugs are not likely to have been involved, he said, and it is likely a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

You almost wish that was the case (being under the influence), so the parents have a place to channel their grief

Over the weekend I got slammed by the parents/family and friends of another accident victim for accusing them of going after 'revenge' by trying to get him more of a sentence at his trial. Apparently because he got a DUI AFTER the accident.

I'm still waiting for more details from the family, and may change my entire opinion about their so-called 'revenge'. I will try to contact the driver of the truck to get his side as well

It all got me to thinking... these parents probably do need a way to channel their anger. But is it fair to wish for this to have been caused by a drunk driver? Is it fair to try to get someone charged with criminal intent when there was none?

I've lost family and friends to motorcycles and ATVs, and cars etc etc. It's tough. As I said in a reply to a comment, every time we take out family to ride, we put them at risk willingly. That, dear parents, is a personal choice. An action of responsibility, or lack there-of.

So why is it that when something bad happens, personal responsibility flies out the window, and everyone wants to blame something else? It just doesn't make sense to me. It was an accident, and we should feel better knowing NOBODY was at fault.