Two die in weekend poker run motorcycle crashes
Online Staff Report
Brent A. Busby, 36, of Rockford, and Lanny Kite, 41, of Rockford, were both killed in motorcycle accidents over the weekend as they were participating in an annual poker run.
According to the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office, both Busby and Kite were involved in a large annual poker run that starts at a home on South Main Street in Rockford. The motorcycles then travel to area communities, where they consume liquor, and then continue on to another community, again consuming alcohol, according to the Coroner’s Office.
The poker run ends back on South Main Street, where a bonfire is held.
About 250 to 300 riders are usually involved in the poker run.
Busby was transported by ambulance to Rockford Memorial Hospital after he was hit by a car while on his motorcycle at the intersection of South Main Street and Marchesano Drive in Rockford. He was pronounced dead in the emergency room at 2:16 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 9.
According to the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office, Busby was not wearing his helmet at the time of the crash and alcohol was involved. Rockford Police Department is investigating the hit-and-run.
Kite was airlifted from the scene at North Rock City Road and West Coffman Road in Ogle County after crashing his motorcycle at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8. He was taken from the scene to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, where he was taken into surgery and admitted to the Neuro Intensive Care Unit. He was pronounced dead at 12:44 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 9.
According to the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office, Kite was not wearing his helmet and alcohol was involved in the crash. Ogle County Sheriff’s Police are investigating the crash.
Posted Sept. 10, 2012
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11 Comments
As a 20K miles a year rider of over 50 years experience, two things in this report says it all. No Helmets…Alcohol. Alcohol and riding never mix but we continue to allow such events in which Alcohol and Riding are the main attractions. Try having a no alcohol poker run and see how many show up. Darn few I predict. Until the LEO’s begin sitting outside the bars and using breathalizers on everyone exiting, the death rate from stupidity will continue to rise.
Ride first then park it and have a drink and do not get back on until the next day.
We make laws and fail to enforce them and people die. Makes no sense to me.
This is not a “report”, Chuckles……unless the RRT is “reporting” on the Coroner’s office professional opinion on Poker Runs…..otherwise it’s a poorly written editorial disguised as a news report.
Brent Busby was a good man and father and he was involved in a horrible hit and run accident……if you want to impress me RRT why don’t you “report” on the investigation into the piece of human garbage that fled that scene.
Pull yourselves together and focus on what is important, hacks!
Well said Dan-O. Let’s also keep in mind you can legally drink and drive …. up to the damn limit. By the time you have a beer or two and then drive a couple counties away to another location it’s sometimes been a couple hours… A beer an hour = legal, couple beers…couple hours = legal, WTF. Not everyone drinks on them, not everyone is drunk but lets stay focused on the Hit and Run factor here. He probably was drinking but he also could have been totally shit faced/ drunk of his butt (if it gets asterix) and made it home if he didn’t get hit… BY A CAR!!!!
I can not believe the audacity of this so called “writer”. A whole lot of assumptions going on here & alot of crap! I agree with Dan-O & Hec Diddy. The idiots that did the hit & runs, vehicles we should be on the look out for etc. You want facts then do that & be sympathetic. Jerks!
I don’t see what you people are angry at RRT about. If you want to be mad, be mad at the coroner’s office for giving that description of the poker run. The rest of it looks like facts to me. Neither were wearing a helmut, both had alcohol. They didn’t say they were drunk, just that alcohol was involved. They didn’t say who was at fault. I understand this is a sensitive story to many, and I think in a situation like this we just need someone to be mad at. Don’t take it out on people who are only trying to report facts.
Clearly, this article was written by someone who has no idea about motorcycles what-so-ever! Regardless of the fact that he may have been drinking and driving – like you haven’t – he was hit, BY A CAR! If you haven’t noticed, a car is much larger and heavier than a man on a motorcycle.. I thought reporters weren’t supposed to be biased and only speak the truth… Seems as if the truth wasn’t the most important factor here, bashing motorcycle riders and poker runs was. Sad, RRT, REAL SAD.
Well said Dan-O…I’m very disappointed in RRT and the coroner’s office…rrstar printed the same article..when we should be concentrating on the fact Brent was hit by a coward who fled the scene they want to “report” about no helmets and alcohol…
Brent was a close friend of mine…He will be missed by all he came in contact with!!!
I expect more professionalism especially from the coroner’s office!!! Very disappointed!!!!
Most “NEWS” agencies add alcohol involvment even if it’s not involved. Madd Mothers find this funny. Godbless Brent, who I did not know. Lanny, I did not know you long enough, Rest in Peace, Brother. Dave.
THE DESCRIPTION OF THE POKER RUN WAS ACCURATE!!
Are you gonna sit there and say it wasn’t? Drinking and driving is stupid. That is what this is about. People operating motor vehicles while drunk!
KMorel you sound like an idot as well. We need facts first. This is a fact: The first stop was Durand which was for about an hour. On the way to the next stop is where Lanny crashed (on his own) riding to the next stop. He wasn’t drunk/hammered in an hours time. Not sure if he even drinks, find out some facts first before opening your mouth. Lets see if they release his blood/alcohol level first buddy.
ahh i knew brent… a car didnt hit him it ran a red light and he couldnt stop in time and crashed into it learn your facts first..