TOLEDO, Ohio — For many, riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience. It can also be a deadly one without proper safety equipment.
Casey Burpee has had to experience a recent tragic accident involving her boyfriend, 35-year-old Roger Carter.
"He had never made it home," said Burpee.
According to a report from Toledo police, Carter was involved in a one-person motorcycle accident on Seaman Road on the morning of July 4.
The TPD report also said Carter failed to negotiate a northbound turn onto Burger Street, lost control of the bike, and was ejected.
For Burpee, she realized something was wrong when she woke up in the morning.
"I didn't want to believe that he was really hurt," said Burpee.
But he was, and in a serious manner.
Burpee said that Carter suffered two severe injuries to his face and left leg, with the leg injury requiring amputation.
On Tuesday, five days after the accident, Burpee said doctors declared Carter brain-dead.
"Seeing someone you love that damaged; I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy," said Burpee.
The TPD report also shared that Carter did not have safety equipment on.
"On a bike, you don't have protection," said Wayne Nault, an instructor for Motorcycle Ohio, a state-funded program that teaches motorcycle safety. "The only thing you have is the gear, so that's why we stress - wear a helmet, wear an abrasive, resistant jacket, pants, gloves, sturdy shoes."
Nault teaches courses at Owens Community College, walking through theories, equipment, speed control and turning.
"It's slow for the corner, and you're looking through the corner through the apex, and then what you're doing is you're getting to a proper entry speed, and then you roll on the throttle slightly to maintain that speed, because if you go too slow, you lose stability," said Nault. "You go too fast? You go off the course."
The report from TPD said Carter's speed at the time of the accident was unknown.
Regardless of that, Burpee is urging the public to prioritize safety over style.
"Your looks don't matter, fashion doesn't matter - it's your safety. Because if you were in Roger's position, you would've wished you had your helmet on."
Ohio State Highway Patrol shared that from July 3-7, there were 648 crashes statewide, with 15 being fatal - totaling 16 victims.
According to Burpee, however, Carter has not been declared medically dead, thus not contributing to the statistic.
Burpee shared that Carter is now awaiting surgery to save his organs, as he is an organ donor.
According to police, the crash investigation is still ongoing.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the last name of the motorcycle operator.
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