1-Year-Old Boy Killed in Utah Motorcycle Accident
A 1-year-old boy has died after a horrific motorcycle accident on Sunday in Taylorsville, Utah.
Police say that Shannon Moore, 48, was riding his motorcycle with his son, Richard, in the parking lot in front of their apartment complex when the accident occurred.
"Shannon was on his street bike with the baby seated between himself and the handlebars," said Unified Police Department Detective Levi Hughes. "He got up to a high rate of speed, well in excess of the 10 MPH speed limit, and tried to go around a corner but he couldn't stop in time."
After failing to slow down, Moore and his son were thrown from the bike.
"The child impacted the road and the curb and then the motorcycle landed on top of the child," said Hughes.
The baby died on the scene, and police say the father was taken to a local hospital where he is listed in fair condition.
Betty Reiz, who lives in the same apartment complex, told ABC affiliate ABC4 that she watched the wreck unfold. She said the baby tried to stand up after the accident, but fell down and died.
"The father is always with the child in front of the motorcycle," Reiz said.
Police say that this accident should have never happened, regardless of the lack of regulations for motorcycle passengers.
"Even though laws don't regulate the age of the passenger of a motorcycle, common sense has to dictate that kind of decision," said Hughes. "If the passenger's feet can't reach the pegs and he can't wear a helmet, he shouldn't be put on a motorcycle. If you don't listen to your own better judgment you will pay the ultimate price."
The investigation is still ongoing, and police say that Moore could face serious charges because there was a reckless loss of life.