Lorain/Elyria, OH
Man dies after deer knocks him off bike, into oncoming traffic
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CARLISLE TWP. - An Elyria man was killed Saturday after he was knocked from his motorcycle by a deer and then run over by an SUV.
Brian Rogers, 52, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 2:15 p.m. crash on state Route 301 north of U.S. Route 20.
The deer that struck Rogers was thrown into his southbound 2001 Harley-Davidson motorcycle after it was hit by a 2007 Toyota Prius driven by 59-year-old James Cox Jr., who was driving north at the time, said Ohio Highway Patrol Trooper Crystal Evans.
After the deer hit him, Rogers was thrown from his motorcycle and run over by a 2001 Ford Explorer driven by Tim Kader, 57, who was northbound.
Kader, of Carlisle Township, said he tried to swerve to avoid hitting Rogers after he saw the deer “cartwheel” through the air.
“He went down right in front of me. He rolled right in front of me,” Kader said. “There was nothing I could do.”
Rogers’ motorcycle continued to slide down the road, striking a 2003 Dodge Stratus driven by Michele Kennedy Diaz, 41, of Lorain, Evans said. None of the drivers involved in the crash has been cited, and the crash remains under investigation.
Deputy Lorain County Coroner Vernon Patterson said Rogers, who was not wearing a helmet, sustained fatal injuries in the accident, including several broken bones.
“Falling off the bike didn’t kill him. He died, more than likely, from being hit by the SUV,” Patterson said. “… He died instantly.”
Cox, of Oberlin, was taken to EMH Regional Medical Center for minor cuts to his arms and hands caused by glass from his windshield, which the deer smashed into when it ran into the road from the west side, Evans said.
Floyd Strader of Vermilion was at a nearby home when the crash occurred. He said the deer got up and ran off behind the homes along the east side of the road.
Rogers, who was a member of Wings of Change, a motorcycle club whose members are recovering alcoholics, was on a poker run with fellow bikers, Patterson said. Rogers was riding alone when the crash occurred, but several of his fellow bikers arrived at the scene moments later.
Rogers was a tugboat operator and was heavily involved with the Deputies, an Elyria-based baton, flag and drum corps, said Linda Jones, the organization’s director. In addition to his daughter, she said Rogers also had a stepson serving in the military overseas.
She said Rogers’ daughter was among the group’s members, and he would walk alongside the girls as they marched, giving them water when they needed it and picking up batons the girls dropped.
Jones said Rogers and his wife, Barb Rogers, renewed their wedding vows in March on the same day the Deputies performed at a Cleveland Cavaliers home game. After the ceremony they went to see their daughter perform, she said.
Rogers, Jones said, was a very positive person.
“I can’t think of one negative thing he ever said,” she said.
Lucy Goldsmith, a Chronicle-Telegram employee who also knew Rogers through the Deputies, said he was upbeat and well-liked by the girls he worked with.
“He was like another dad to them,” she said.
Contact Brad Dicken at 329-7147 or bdicken@chroniclet.com.
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Brian also leaves many people who love him very much. His daughters Lynn and Barb, son Keith, grandchildren, his mom and dad Tom and Jeanne, sisters Leslie and Pam and brothers Sean and Chris ,as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins across the country who are deeply saddened by his passing. He was preceeded in death by his little brother, Dennis. Brian who overcame adversity devoted himself to helping others do the same and was a positive influence on all who met him. I love you, Bri and will miss you deeply.
Aunt Kath
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This is a tragic accident and my prayers go out to your you and the family. There is a very interesting picture captured at the accident scene at http://www.tmcnews.net in the photo gallary. His motorcycle went down in front of the driveway of a church. The photographer captured it very elloquently with the church billboard in the background, stating, “Will the road you’re on get you to my place.” I hope it brings you as much comfort as it did me.
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Kathleen Owens, I’m very sorry for your loss. He sounds like a VERY PRECIOUS part of your family, I hope Good Memories fill your heart and push out the saddness & pain.
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We are very sorry to share this sad news, but many of you knew him and love him.
Captain Brian Gregory Rogers
5/9/57 – 6/20/09
Beloved son of Thomas and Jeanne Rogers and husband of Barb Rogers of Elyria, Ohio deceased as a result of a tragic motorcycle accident in northern Ohio. Captain Brian Rogers leaves four children: Sgt. Keith Rogers of the 101st Airborne Division; Lynn Laule (Jim) of Norfolk, Virginia; Barbara Jean Rogers of Bay Village, Ohio; their mother Rose Rogers Holley (Jim); Tori Madison Rogers of Elyria, Ohio. He also leaves several grandchildren: Lilly and Mia Laule; David, Jacob and Jonathan Rogers.
He is also survived by his sister Leslie Ann Rogers, Dr. Pamela Rogers Bosch (Dr. Paul Bosch), Sean P. Rogers (Danielle Jensen), Chris Rogers (Amanda Nelson), and several nieces and nephews who adored him. He was preceded in death by his brother Dennis Michael Rogers.
Captain Rogers was employed by Great Lakes Towing of Cleveland, Ohio. He was a graduate of Holland High School (Holland, Michigan) and Great Lakes Maritime Academy (Traverse City, Michigan). He never met a stranger and could not do enough for everyone. He loved tugboats, the Great Lakes and riding his Harley Davidson with his many buddies.
Brian will continue to be an inspiration to all of us and we will miss him dearly.
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Dad,
I will miss you. Happy fathers day. I love you.
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My prayers are with the family and friends. R.I.P Brian
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Thank you so much for printing that Chris!
God bless Captain Brian Gregory Rogers family at this most difficult time!
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Our thoughts and prayers are with Brian’s family and friends in this difficult time. Brian, we love you and will miss you. But our memories of you will live on forever.
D.J. Gruen & Family
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