Best friend passed away last night

[EM JAY]

One of my best friends passed away last night when he lost control of his ZX11 trying to avoid a car that pulled out infront of him.  He was an average street rider who actually taught me the basics of riding.  He had just bought a helmet earlier in the year but was not wearing it at the time.  The medics said that if he had been wearing it it would have saved his life, he died of head trauma.  He was a real young guy and left behind 2 kids and his wife.  Since I started racing I have always worn my helmet when riding street and have tried to get everyone else I ride with to do the same.  I'm really going to miss him.

    Dennis Murphy, you are loved and will be missed by many.  

[Dawn]

My condolences....

Dawn    :'(

[KBOlsen]

 :(  Condolences to both you and his family....

[motard11]

 I am deeply sorry for your loss.       ....   I would like the helmet law brought back!!  Sometimes we need the law to protect us from ourselfs...In my state (FL) helmets are not required but seatbelts are...figure that one out..Its just God forbid I accidently hit a motocyclist with my car and the rider chooses not to wear a helmet and dies becuase of me..How am I supposed to live with that? Sorry I am not trying to preach..Its just a very sore subject with me..I know for a FACT that helmets have saved me from great danger many (to many)times !! I ride with quality safty gear and I still RIDE FREE..Again I feel for you and his family...God speed  Dennis and ride (RACE) with angles...Motard11 :-[

[Tezboogie]

My prayers to him and his family. I'm sure that they appreciate you as one of his close friends.

Helmets are like seat belts, sometimes they work and sometime they don't.  You're just giving yourself a better chance of surving if you wear one.
I live in Chicago and have been riding bikes for very long time. 98% of the time I go out on my bike, I wear my helmet, jacket, boots, and gloves.....no matter how warm or cold it is. Just by seeing me with my gear on all the time and encouraging all the people that I ride with to at least try it.........their has been, over the years, a lot people who have started wearing protective gear.
Helmets and seat belts can't save you in every accident, but they at least give you a chance.

      Tez
            Ex #3

[khanson]

 :'(  My condolences to you and his family.

That's the hole idea behind my safety first program in trying to reach kids at an early age in promoting helmet safety.  If you instill in  them to wear a helmet at an early age they will always wear it.

I live in IL and during my presentations I always find about 40% of kids own a bicycle helmet and maybe 5% wear it all the time.

When I raced at Laguna Seca in July, I was pleasantly surprised during my presentations when about 85% of kids owned a helmet and about 60% wore them all the time.  It just goes to show that we can make a difference and there are power in numbers.  The more people wear helmets, the more other people are inclined to wear them as well and find it cool or the "norm."

Let's set the example instead of being squids doing wheelies down the freeway in t-shirts and shorts and nothing else.

[Super Dave]

 :'( :'(

[MightyDuc Racing]

So sorry for your loss...our condolences to you and his family. :'(  Please remember to put on a helmet everybody.

[lil_thorny]

i should be dead....3 times.
thank you Shoei...and God speed Mr. Murphy.
Benji. :'(

[tigerblade]

Sorry for your loss.   :(

[1RACEBABE]

What a terrible thing to have happen.  I am a single mother myself and preach to my children about using a helmet when they ride their bicycles yet when I get on a ride I neglect to wear one myself.  We need to protect ourselves as well as we do our children to prevent these things from happening.  I think about his wife and kids and all he has left behind and all they have in front of them to live without him.  I cannot comprehend your loss since I have been lucky enough to not have experienced that myself yet I feel for you and the family.  Let this be a test to be safe and curteous when driving a car and to be 100% protected when getting on a two wheel machine.  I bid you relief from your sorrow and may he be in peace.

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

Best friends don't grow on trees.  Sorry man.