GLOCESTER – It was sunny fall day outside of Cady’s Tavern on Route 44 on Saturday, Oct. 22 as motorcyclists gathered for a memorial ride.
Another bike carrying a couple approached the roadhouse to join the group, but just as they were set to turn in to the parking lot, tragedy struck.
A vehicle came up behind a bike, hitting it from behind, and causing driver and passenger to be thrown into oncoming traffic. In video footage from the business’s surveillance camera, bystanders can be seen rushing to the scene.
The driver and passenger were each struck twice by passing vehicles. The male driver suffered a broken ankle, broken ribs and a broken finger, and was brought to Rhode Island Hospital.
His female passenger was life flighted to UMass Memorial Medical Center, sustaining multiple injuries that included a broken pelvis, broken arm and broken leg, and fractures in her neck and lower back.
It was a dramatic reminder of just how vulnerable motorcycles are on the roadways, and the community has come together to support those in recovery.
“She has a long recovery ahead and will not be able to work,” noted Lisa Brown, a friend of the passenger, in a fundraiser set up to help with medical expenses.
Brown’s GoFundMe page has raised $3,465, and a second fundraiser set up by the driver’s son has raised another $470.
“This fund account will be used for any medical expenses, needs, and pain and suffering,” noted organizer Brendan Michael.
A collection jar for the victims has also been set up at Cady’s.
Both victims are reportedly recovering from their injuries.
The accident was one of several on Route 44 in recent weeks, including one that took the life of a 66-year-old woman who was traveling with three children. Maria Silva of Glocester, was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital after a crash on Friday, Oct. 14 and later died of her injuries.
