The driver of a moped was killed Wednesday afternoon in an accident on State Road involving a moped and a truck. The accident took place two days before the Fourth of July holiday as the Island was beginning to fill with people and traffic.
The driver of a moped was killed Wednesday afternoon in an accident on State Road involving a moped and a truck. The accident took place two days before the Fourth of July holiday as the Island was beginning to fill with people and traffic.
Chilmark police said Alexandro Garcia, 22, of Springfield died Wednesday afternoon when the moped he was driving collided with a pickup truck.
The initial investigation showed that Mr. Garcia lost control of the moped on the right shoulder of State Road and attempted to regain control, according to a press release from Chilmark police. He then drove into the oncoming lane of traffic where he collided with a Toyota pickup truck driven by Jonathan Rich of Chilmark.
Chilmark police chief Brian Cioffi told the Gazette Thursday that Mr. Rich had turned onto the road from the Grey Barn and Farm. There were two passengers in his pickup truck.
The press release said that when the first units arrived on the scene, they found Mr. Garcia lying in the road. Police said it was determined that Mr. Garcia had died from his injuries.
Police said no other operators were involved and no charges are expected to be filed. There were no other injuries in the incident, police said.
Mr. Garcia was an employee of Sun ’n’ Fun moped rentals in Oak Bluffs. Wednesday was his day off, and he was traveling by himself, police said.
The incident took place at about 12:30 p.m. A long stretch of State Road from the Grange Hall in West Tisbury to the Chilmark Community Center was closed for about six hours following the accident, and state police accident reconstruction experts visited the scene.
Aquinnah, West Tisbury and state police assisted at the scene of the accident.
Tri-Town ambulance, West Tisbury fire and rescue and the Chilmark fire department also responded. “It’s a sad, tragic, horrible accident,” Chief Cioffi said. “Obviously my heart goes out to the families. This is going to affect a lot of people for a long time. It’s just sad.”
Comments
Mopeds should be illegal
Ethan Miller ChillmarkMopeds should be illegal
there is not enough road for
Doug Beauregardthere is not enough road for both, plain and simple!
Winding roads. Narrow roads.
KimberlyWinding roads. Narrow roads. Inexperienced moped drivers. It all equals a disaster. But what do you do? Should they not travel up island? It's tourism. So sorry it happened again and again. And again.
he wasn't a inexperienced
Ted Tisburyhe wasn't a inexperienced rider.he works for a moped company.just a tragic accident.
Really?
BFReally?
Gee, my nephew works for an airline company in Boston...but...he has no idea of how to fly a plane.
I don't know the details of
Karin Stanley West TisburyI don't know the details of this tragic event and will not speculate on the incident. I would like to say that as a bike rider I am increasingly concerned about the amount of large truck traffic on our roads. It seems as if there is more this year than ever, with many going quite fast on our narrow roadways. I have had a couple of scary incidents this year and am reconsidering when and where I ride my bike.
So sorry for all involved today.
His truck Isint big it's a
Adam ChilmarkHis truck Isint big it's a small toyota
I was not speculating on the
Karin West TisburyI was not speculating on the size of the truck involved, nor laying any blame on the driver, that would be irresponsible. My heart goes out to the family of the young man that died and to the driver of the vehicle. It clearly appears to be a cruel twist of fate that led to this terrible tragedy.
Please everyone just be mindful of our increasingly dangerous roadways.
My son has a moped!, I hate
Lida Osborn Charleston, SCMy son has a moped!, I hate it! I mourn for the family and the people who killed the moped driver. They are horrible. So sad,
When will we finally ban
LWS OB/D.When will we finally ban Mopeds on this island? How many deaths will it take?
To me if there is a narrow
Lorren Springfield MaTo me if there is a narrow road, and mopeds, and bicycles you would think that the person in the two ton vehicles would be cautious of the unprotected travelers on the road. There is no one to blame, just a terrible tragedy. So for those who feel the need to blame others, your sad and should probably not even reply. So sorry for the family that lost there son and the girl that he loved, there really should be know talk of blame here!!
I'm not sure we should "ban"
MJS EdgartownI'm not sure we should "ban" anything. Accidents happen. Mopeds 'happen..' We should educate the masses, not simply tell them -no-. I get the frustration and the sense of loss. But you cannot legislate away bad luck or stupid.
If someone drowns do you
Tom TisburyIf someone drowns do you close all the beaches?
Do you really think day
lWS OB/DCDo you really think day trippers and other moped renters are adequately warned about the dangerous and narrow design of MV roads? Especially during the summer months when large vehicle traffic crowd our two lane roads? Think it over after your next swim.
this was my cousin who dead.
rosa Feldman mathis was my cousin who dead. have some respect. it could of happen In any kind of vehicle. even a road bike ..no one was there..keep rude comments to yourself! he was an experienced driver .seriously
Plz keep your rude comment to
maria rodriguez massPlz keep your rude comment to your self...we just lost a very good kid.
He my son best friend & brother.... My condolence's to his girl Sam and his friend....miss you Alex... : (
So sorry for ur lost
Holly West tisburySo sorry for ur lost
That was my cousin, he was
Daniel Joseph Palmer maThat was my cousin, he was too young to go,
Look at the picture. There's
Tom G The CapeLook at the picture. There's sand along the side of the road. Considering the expected summer bike (and moped) riders, it's a disgrace that sand is there. Clear the sand and maybe you'll have a safer (and wider) road, ya think? My condolences to the family and I'm sorry for the "truck driver".
I do see the sides of roads
Kara Leigh Peters Oak bluffsI do see the sides of roads and roadway that have sand ... Very clear to see. .... Thank I for pointing out Tom
The photograph does not show
thomas hodgson wtThe photograph does not show the area where the accident took place…it happened a hundred yards or more farther up-island.
The sand in the file photo
On Scene VHThe sand in the file photo you refer to is at a low point from rains and it washes to this point. The ACTUAL scene of the accident had no sand in the roadway and had nothing to do with this unfortunate occurrence.
Nearly every day I encounter
ann boyer chilmarkNearly every day I encounter someone on the wrong side of the double lines, passing a bike or walker with no clear view ahead. We need to police ourselves, the tourists, the truck drivers; but how?
(I do not mean that is what happened in this tragic case. Just mentioning how risky our roads are.)
My sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Garcia and Mr. Rich. We are all in this together.
I am so sorry for your loss.
concerned tisburyI am so sorry for your loss. A lot of people must not remember the people that died on bicycles. Do we ban them too? How dangerous would it be to keep the mopeds on one side of the bike paths when down island. I see more and more bikes on the road with a bike path not ten feet away. I know the riders on the road think they are too fast for the path but coming from someone that seems to get stuck behind one almost on a daily basis it's upsetting and dangerous.P.S. to those bike riders -you aren't as fast as you think!
There needs to be a bike path
Holly West tisburyThere needs to be a bike path
Mopeds cannot legally travel
JJ OBMopeds cannot legally travel on a bike path
If you spend time on the bike
Susanna J. Sturgis West TisburyIf you spend time on the bike paths, you know that in many places the surface is uneven. Roots break up the asphalt. Sand can pile up on the edges. Especially where the path parallels the Edgartown–West Tisbury Road, the path is hilly and twisty. You can't see all that far ahead of you. For a serious cyclist moving at speed, this is a problem. Young kids and inexperienced cyclists are on the bike path, as well they should be. They don't always keep right. They may be riding two abreast. They don't always have full control of their bikes. So the cyclist in training comes around a curve and screeches to a halt -- if s/he reacts in time. It's not just a matter of speed. It's also about the other traffic on the path, and the condition of the asphalt.
A bicycle that crashes into a
LWS OB/DCA bicycle that crashes into a walker, jogger or small child could kill them if only traveling @ 15mph. SHARE THE ROAD! Not that difficult a concept. There are large yellow signs posted as reminders. Are you in that much of a hurry that a bit of patience when behind a bike would ruin your day? THINK.
South Road is DANAGEROUS for
trewSouth Road is DANAGEROUS for road users that aren't in cars/trucks. Drivers speed and don't share the road, that's why most cyclists stick to middle or north road. But IF drivers followed the basic rules of the road and were considerate of another persons life, it would be safe.
It always makes me roll my eyes when I get buzzed or passed on a blind corner by a prius or Subaru with a "coexist" sticker...
You guys really should take
Bryan MenemshaYou guys really should take the name of the operator of the pickup off of here, no charges will be filed on him so no need for his name to be there. The poor man feels terrible but you do not need everyone knowing his business.
All our roads here are too
Brenda OBAll our roads here are too small for vehicles then add drivers in a hurry,entitled, distracted drivers, big trucks plus then add walkers, joggers, mopeds, rollerblading, skateboards, bikes etc and you have not enough road space for all to travel safely. Widen the roads remove the sudden drop off from pavement to dirt.
I think the town's and state need to take the allotted land per lot to make our roads safe for everyone. FYI our children walking to/from school or bus are in just as much danger every day but no one will do anything just birch and complain.
My former neighbor offered to pay to install a sidewalk for our properties and the town to add the rest and the town refused because some entitled people didn't want it.
Totally agree, very well put!
Kara Leigh Peters Oak BluffsTotally agree, very well put!
All you political idiots
Fitz OBAll you political idiots worried about the size of the roads and the banning of mopeds! Have some F@$!-!?G respect ! A life was lost! Thoughts and Prayers to the families involved !
It is the unnecessary loss of
LWS OB/DCIt is the unnecessary loss of life that many of us are fed up with. Moped deaths have been happening way too often and for far too long. Something needs to be done or it will happen again--soon. This tragedy did not have to happen.
Feels like just the other day
Sancruz family Holyoke, MaFeels like just the other day I seen your smiling face Alex. So young to go. When I heard the news I just stayed in a state of shock and just couldn't believe it. I remember when we were kids and you lived in university park and we were playing outside with juny and we were these careless kids. We grew up and moved apart but never means I didn't love you family. My hearts heavy and aches. So many loved ones you left behind. I've had you in prayer and so have I had your mom and rest of the family. I hope that god keeps you in his memory and one day we can meet again. But in the mean time rock the heavens shine down on your mom and the beautiful girlfriend you left behind! Love from your cousin and family!
Once I had a truck driver
Neil Off IslandOnce I had a truck driver concerned about my well-being after almost clipping me on my bike. Yes, I was astonished.
Bicyclists and moped operators have the same right to use the road as car and truck drivers.
My condolences to this young
Joey Altura Holyoke, MAMy condolences to this young mans' family. This was an accident and that is all.
Why are some of you concerned about the road now? This is not the place for it.
One of our own, a Human Being has tragically lost his life.
He was accidentally struck by another vehicle & thats that.
If bikes & mopeds were so dangerous every rider would be injured or fatally injured every time one by one.
Vehicles speed & thats when it gets dangerous.
If speed limits are posted & actually abided by this would not happen & any driver can avoid the on coming danger in case a rider slips on anything or loses control.
Vehicle Accidents like.Accidents at home to even the most cafeful simply happen.
When its your time to go you ARE going to go. This was no different & thats the way it was written & scheduled.
God Bless His Soul.
AMEN
First of all, my condolences
June EdgartownFirst of all, my condolences to all involved. I agree mopeds don't have a place on the island, not while the island has mainland speed limits at least. I remember the days when mopeds were allowed on the bike paths. Not a day went by without an ambulance being called to the scene of a tragedy along State Beach. The narrow roads up island invite disaster. Couldn't up island towns and conservation properties join forces to create and continue a trail system that would encourage and allow bicycles? Another comment, island buses create much of the damage along the roadway edges. Simply paving a pullout area at bus stop intervals would help avoid the ruts, sand and debris churned up whenever a bus pulls over to make a stop. Witness Katama Road, where grass-planted medians are repeatedly dug up and rutted by the MVTA buses. In the meantime, let us all share the road with patience and caution please.
It was an accident a very
born and raisedIt was an accident a very very tragic for both families. However it again was a accident. The moped went into on coming traffic, and the result was fatal. Mr Rich wasn't in a "big" truck, and he wasn't the one in the wrong lane. Know your facts before bashing that young man who will also never forget this tragic event. . And has to also live with it. He shouldn't of even been mentioned in the article.
Mopeds have always been a
obporch obMopeds have always been a contentious issue. Our narrow roads carry cars, work trucks, tour buses, VTA buses, bicycles, mopeds, walkers and runners. The danger is to anyone not in a larger vehicle. They are usually on the losing end of an accident.
R.I.P ALEX, watch over us.
eggie from holyokeR.I.P ALEX, watch over us.
When I was working for the
Christine Powers WalthamWhen I was working for the Gazette in the '70s and 80's, the paper decided to do a story about moped safety. The editor and reporter who undertook the assignment both ended up in the emergency room after skidding on the roadside sand and suffering contusions. They had quite a story to tell!
RIP...
Lee Las Vegas NevadaRIP...
May you look down on your family in this difficult time and guide them.
Tragic loss of life…very sad.
GJ Gay HeadTragic loss of life…very sad. Accidents are just that - accidents. Both drivers were in the wrong place at the wrong time and sometimes in life, that's just what happens…you have little or any control of the events that follow.
What we can control is limiting or eliminating mopeds from the Island. Besides the few vendors that rent them, who really benefits from the rental? I'm sure the vast majority of riders have never been on a moped before and now you put them on dangerous roads with limited visibility, poor shoulders and distracted drivers - a deadly combination. If they made a mandatory 2 hour safety class and license for renting a moped, the problem would be solved. Let's all pray we have a safe season on the roads for all drivers.
To the best of my knowledge,
hughw chilmarkTo the best of my knowledge, the island and its towns have no legal right to restrict mopeds. They are a state registered vehicle and have a right to travel on public roads. That said, there should be a renewed effort to the State to give municipalities the opportunity to apply for moped restrictions where warranted.
How would a mandatory class
JJ OBHow would a mandatory class solve the problem. Don't you go to driver education to get a drivers license? And how many car accidents are there daily?
I think it's terrible that
angie spfldI think it's terrible that ppl are more concerned with the vehicle Alex was driving. . If this was a car or another truck would you all feel the same.. or how about everyone worrying about the man that hit him.. if I read correctly, no charges are being filed so who cares if his name is here.. it's a tragic loss of life.. This young man still had a full life ahead of him!! My heart goes out to his family!!
We need to stop advertising
BFWe need to stop advertising the Island as though it were Camelot.
Camelot, where it never rains, and all things are fanciful, perfect and where utopia prevails.
It is not that.
It is real, and real people live here. People who rush to work everyday, and where the streets are made for vehicle traffic, not large groups of meandering pedestrians!
I mean really, where do these people come from where you walk in large groups down the middle of the street, park sideways across two handicap parking spaces, or jump on a moped for the first time and then speed along bobbing and weaving in and out of moving traffic where there is already no room for one more?
Where people whiz by you passing on the right side just as your passenger is about to open the door to get out, where someone actually stands in a parking space to hold it for a friend who is circling the parking lot and you need to get to an appointment?
Lots of “blame” to pass around here...
The ones marketing our home, the tourist never, considering that "real" people live here and need to function each day, i.e. work, banks, post office, appointments, etc. The residents who are so angry and frustrated that they are already in crisis mode and often an accident waiting to happen.
Enough is enough. We have about killed the goose. Very few year round residents have the value of their life enhanced in any way by the vast numbers of people who arrive here everyday to buy ice-cream or a tee shirt.
Time to take back our home and stop the "dollar only" insanity that takes place here!
God bring comfort to this
Christopher Gray ChappaquonsettGod bring comfort to this young man's family. Considering the narrow tolerances, the automobile speeds, and the (unreasonable) pressure on moped/bicycle operators to hug the so-called shoulder (which does not deserve the name), I am surprised this doesn't happen once every week. ---Christopher Gray, Chappaquonsett
Alex, I'm hoping that you
c laws WT, Graeagle, FleurierAlex, I'm hoping that you were fully enjoying life in the minutes before your final earthy event. I also want to thank you for placing the issue of this Island's roads and all forms of their use back into open discussion. If I had ability or reason I would apologize to all your friends and family who now grieve. I do offer my condolences to them all. The conflation of your death and the Island's need to examine its characteristics and economic reality, as seen in these comments is insensitive.. But, they do expose a need that the Island towns voters, and State representatives, will -possibly- confront next fall when the pressures of summer tourism recede. If there are responses to your tragic accident, the passing of your life will have a permanent value. In the late 70's I was approached by a Puch representative with the view to setting up a moped rental operation. I rode around VH and OB side and main roads for an hour or so. The roads were rougher than they are now, and the Edgartown-VH road with traffic was about as scarey as I want to remember. The social acceptance seemed more than hesitating, but was subsequently overridden by law. My associates and I declined the offer. I can only imagine the feelings of your associates and other rental operators, town people and officials who are complicit in your death. I hope you've discovered the beautiful paradise of your beliefs.
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