Mt. Sterling man killed in motorcycle crash
By Ryan Carter
OCM News Service
A 49-year-old Madison County man was killed Tuesday evening in a motorcycle crash on U.S. Route 22 Southeast at the intersection of Bogus Road in Fayette County.
Paul J. Knecht, of Mt. Sterling, was killed in this two-vehicle accident Tuesday evening on U.S. Route 22 Southeast at Bogus Road.
Paul J. Knecht, of Mt. Sterling, has been identified as the deceased, according to Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth. At 7:35 p.m., Knecht was driving his 1999 Harley-Davidson motorcycle eastbound on U.S. 22 when a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am, driven by 16-year-old Amber R. Pence, pulled from the north intersection of Bogus Road to cross U.S. 22 Southeast.
The car pulled into the path of the motorcyle and the two vehicles collided in the intersection, ejecting Knecht and a passenger on the motorcycle. The passenger was identified as Knecht’s spouse, 37-year-old Cheryl L. Knecht, according to Stanforth.
Paul and Cheryl Knecht were taken from the scene by Fayette County EMS to Fayette County Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. Cheryl was transferred from FCMH to the Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus for further treatment.
Paul Knecht was pronounced dead at FCMH by Fayette County Coroner Dr. Albert Gay. Pence was examined and released at the scene by Fayette County EMS.
Both vehicles sustained heavy damage and were towed from the scene. Members of the Sheriff’s Rescue Unit and Washington Fire Department also responded to the scene for assistance.
Members of the Sheriff’s Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit were called to the scene and are continuing their investigation of the crash. No one has been charged at this time.
This is tragic for both families. I ride and yes it is dangerous at times with people in cars not paying attention. I often thought that every driver should have to take some kind of training that helps them watchout for motorcycles. I know as a rider I am always looking and giving space for them when needed. Don’t know the details of what cause it, if the girl was just not paying attention when she pulled out or if her radio, or phone distracted her. Maybe this could have be avoided it, don’t know. I rode with Paul a couple of times and he was an excellent rider, so I have to imagion in his mind he thought the intersection was ok as he approached. It has me thinking twice now when I approach an intersection with a car. I alway try to make myself seen and try to get eye contact with the driver, but you just never know what’s going on inside that car as you approach. I really think 16 is an OK age to driver, but with adult supervision until 18. Really when you think about it, what reason does a 16 year old need to be driving by themselves anyway.
Rest in Peace Paul,…and may God help that girl cope with what has happened , I am sure she will have a tough time dealing with it.
I have said it before and I will say it again, I’m not sure 16 is the best age to start driving. Some kids are responsible and do just fine, but not all are mature enough to focus on the task at hand. I know in high school I had some scary rides, both behind the wheel and in the passenger seat. They text, play with the radio, put on makeup, etc. I am not saying this is what happened here, but obviously her judgment was flawed when she pulled into the path of the motorcycle. At 16 you don’t have the ability to make sound rational decisions; it has nothing to do with the child and everything to do with development.
As for those of you “casting stones”, I am sure you are hurting and I am very sorry for your loss. But you have to remember this is a child, she had no intention of hurting anyone. She didn’t do this maliciously. It was a mistake and bad judgment on her part. Judge not lest you be judged. How about we put your biggest mistakes in the paper for people to “throw stones at you”
Well said.
Personally, I don’t think 16 is old enough to drive. I don’t think 16 year olds are mature enough. Each parent is responsible for the actions of their child and should know their maturity level. This is such a great tragedy. I’m sure this child is living a nightmare of her own. Prayers to both families.
definately should be charges … failure to yield. prayers. RIP my friend
you got that right
paul was a good friend and a great man
My heart goes out to both families affected by the accident but how about waiting until all details have been reported before casting stones?
I’ll cast stones and would sure like to throw them at this child driver……