Facebook’s executive chef killed in California motorcycle crash

Due to its beautiful weather, California has more than its share of year-round motorcyclists. But even though it is common to see motorcyclists out at any time of year, that doesn’t mean that California roads and highways are motorcycle-friendly.

These smaller, two-wheeled vehicles offer less protection to their riders and are less visible to other motorists. As a result, motorcycle accidents tend to be more deadly than car accidents.

Those who work in Silicon Valley are currently in mourning over the recent death of an executive chef who worked for Facebook and had previously worked for Google. He was killed earlier this week when his motorcycle collided with a stopped SUV.

According to news sources, he was riding with his brother on Monday night in bad weather when they approached an intersection that is known to be somewhat hazardous. The SUV was stopped in the road due to a flat tire. The victim’s brother was able to swerve out of the way in time to avoid hitting the stopped vehicle, but the chef was not. He died at the scene due to the impact of the motorcycle crash.

It is unclear at this point whether the fatal crash was an unavoidable accident or if it could be attributed to some act of negligence such as poor road/intersection design. If it is the latter, the man’s family may wish to pursue legal action to make sure that no one else is forced to suffer a similar fate.

For now, however, the colleagues, friends and family of this this well-known and much-loved chef must grieve the loss of a life that was taken far too soon.

Source: The Columbus Dispatch, “Motorcyclist dies after hitting stopped vehicle on Rt. 23 on South Side,” Allison Manning, July 23, 2013