http://www.bayarea.com/mld/bayarea/news/3960573.htm
Posted on Thu, Aug. 29, 2002
Accident kills man, 23
Johnathan Benkert lost control of his motorcycle in Antioch while turning and hit a car, police say
By Celeste Ward
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
ANTIOCH - A 23-year-old construction worker died Tuesday when he lost control of his motorcycle, police said.
Johnathan Benkert entered a 90-degree turn at a high speed from Ashburton Drive to Lynn Avenue when he lost control of the motorcycle and crashed into a blue Mercury Cougar parked in a driveway, police said.
"It sounded like a big pop, like something hit a tree," said the car owner, Scott Adams, 40, who was at home when the 9:10 p.m. crash occurred. "There was no screeching. I just ran out to see if I could help."
Adams said Benkert was thrown from the 1999 Suzuki and then stood up, took off his helmet and told Adams his name. But then Benkert fell to his knees, and his breathing became labored, Adams said. About five minutes later, he lapsed into unconsciousness on Adams' front lawn.
"He was fighting for everything. He was not giving up," Adams said.
Benkert was pronounced dead at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, Antioch police said. He died as a result of massive chest injuries, the police said.
"It's torn me up," Adams said. "All night I could not sleep."
Police said the cause of the crash was excessive speed but had not yet estimated how fast Benkert was traveling. The motorcycle belonged to a friend, witnesses said.
Benkert's friends went to Adams' house Wednesday to thank him for being there in Benkert's final moments of life. They left flowers at the corner in tribute.
Kim Parlier of Oakley brought photographs of Benkert with her son to show Adams. She said Benkert leaves behind his immediate family including two younger brothers, as well as a girlfriend, with whom he had just bought a house in Antioch.
"He had marriage plans, and children plans," Parlier said. "It's terrible."
Parlier said 40 people arrived at the hospital after the crash. Some were crying hysterically, she said.
Parlier said Benkert's girlfriend was devastated, as was her father, who considered Benkert his son-in-law.
"Her parents just thought the world of John," she said. "He was not only well-liked by his friends, but by adults, too. He was well-respected."
