[PAmedic]

brought to my attention by ROK over on the CCU board; sorry to hear about this

GSU football star Teddy Craft dies from injuries in motorcycle accident

GSU MEDIA
Holli Deal Bragg and staff
hbragg@statesboroherald.net

Georgia Southern University student-athlete Teddy Craft, 21, has died from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident, a spokesman for Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah confirmed early Thursday morning.

The spokesman, Michael Notrica, was reached by phone at 5 a.m. Thursday and said that Craft "is deceased." The time of death for Craft was not immediately available.

Craft, a wide receiver and kick returner for Georgia Southern from Flat Rock Road, Hartwell, was riding a motorcycle with a group of five others on Pretoria-Rushing Road just before 9 p.m. Tuesday when another rider, Bryan Ziegler, 27, Jenk Hill Road, Sylvania, began to make a turn onto Pine View Road, Scott said.

Ziegler “knew where he was going and Craft did not,” he said. Craft was following behind Ziegler and when Ziegler began turning, Craft’s motorcycle struck Ziegler’s in the area “where the right leg would be - in the gas tank,” he said.

The impact caused Ziegler’s motorcycle to travel sideways about 20 feet, ejecting Ziegler onto the east shoulder of the roadway, he said. Craft’s motorcycle continued forward onto the east shoulder, ejecting Craft, who struck the guy wire, he said.

Ziegler suffered visible injuries, but Craft’s injuries were much more serious, requiring him to be airlifted to Savannah after an initial transport to East Georgia Regional Medical Center, he said.

Patrick Osterman, assistant athletic director who handles media relations for university sports, said Craft was wearing his helmet when the crash occurred.

“On behalf of the entire Georgia Southern community our thoughts and prayers are with Teddy and his family,” said Sam Baker, GSU athletics director.

A Second Team All-Southern Conference pick the past two years, Craft led the Eagles in reception yards (319) and touchdowns (5) last season, Osterman said. “He caught four of his five touchdown passes during the final two games of the 2005 campaign. Following spring drills he was listed as a starter at one of the wide receiver positions.”

Scott said no charges are being filed in the accident and “alcohol does not appear to be a factor” in the crash.

[Sly Fox]

As if we need another example of our mortality even at a young age. What a tragedy.

I could go on my rant about motorcycles being unsafe because of everyone else on the road around you, but I'll save it for another day. But I have afeeling PAmedic has his own thoughts.

[PAmedic]

yup-

1 reason I don't ride any more.