L.A. Weekly, April 2011
Kevin Butcher, 23-Year-Old Burbank Man on Motorcycle, Killed in I-10 Crash With Another (Allegedly Drunk) Man on Motorcycle
Kevin Butcher was riding his red Ducati motorcycle down the 10 East yesterday afternoon, when traffic began to slow up ahead.
He was riding behind another motorcyclist on a white Honda at the time -- a 29-year-old man from North Hollywood who West L.A. CHP Officer Travis Ruiz guesses was Butcher's friend. Both were reportedly "splitting lanes" while pushing 90 mph. Then, just before 4:30 p.m. near the exit of the 405, the Acura in front of them put on the brakes. Though the Honda began to brake as well, Butcher did not -- so his motorcycle slammed into the one in front of him. "The Honda that got run into went down on the ground and went down underneath the Acura," says Ruiz. "Then the Ducati goes up over the Acura."
Butcher was found unconscious at the scene, and later pronounced dead at the UCLA Medical Center. The North Hollywood man was transported to the hospital as well -- but not before failing a field sobriety test and being handcuffed to his stretcher. Ruiz says the 29-year-old was in fine enough condition to take the test at the scene, but soon noticed a huge gash in his own leg. No other injuries were reported.
On Facebook, Butcher lists his hometown and current residence as Burbank. He's a fan of Da Bike Shop, a motorcycle customization and repair shop in North Hollywood. One Los Angeles Times commenter writes, "Rest in peace lil butcher." And another: "Kevin Lynn Butcher you will be missed."
A commenter named Richard also offers a witness account: "We were driving back from PCH and saw 2 bikes zipping between traffic lanes. A minute later all the traffic slowed and we saw the 2 downed bikes and several stopped cars. One rider was on the ground as another person pumped his chest. It was a sobering reminder about the dangers of riding between cars, especially on the 10 by the 405 intersection."
Schools attended: Burbank High School, Glendale Community College, California State University at Northridge Awards: Varsity Letter in Track & Field for Pole Vaulting, Burbank High School, 100+ Hours Burbank Community Service Medallion, Burbank School District Service-Learning Award (worn at graduation), Eagle Scout - earning 42 Badges where a minimum of only 20 is required.
Organizations: National Eagle Scout Association, Member Occupation: Teller, J. P. Morgan Chase Bank - Burbank/ San Fernando Branch Kevin was an avid motorcycle rider, having learned to ride on his father's classic 1974 Suzuki 250 - street legal dirt bike. Some years later he purchased his own Suzuki GSX-R600, followed by his most recent bike, a Ducati M900S4. He loved riding this bike with his many friends; yet unfortunately, it was while riding this bike that he lost his life.
He was laid to rest on Saturday, April 16, 2011 - in God's Acre, next to the Old North Church at Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills, with more than 300 loving friends and relatives in attendance.
He is survived by his mother and father, Glenda and Steven, and his two older brothers, Steven Jr. (wife Lindsey) and Christopher (daughter Eden). He will be missed and never forgotten by many. Donations may be made to the Boys Scouts of America Troop 209, by contacting Scoutmaster Jim Roope at (818) 846-6589 - www. troop209.org
Published in Los Angeles Daily News from May 7 to May 8, 2011
Rest in peace, Kevin
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