Camp Boggy Creek is a healthcare facility where children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses receive treatment, live and play games with other sick children at no cost to their families. This year’s Ride for Children is also the first charity ride without Mr. Rossmeyer leading the procession. He died in a motorcycle accident on July 30, 2009, in Wyoming while traveling to the annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, S.D. Mr. Rossmeyer’s son and four daughters took their father’s place at the front of the parade.

“This year is going to be a little bit different because my dad has always led it,” Will Rossmeyer, vice president of Daytona Harley-Davidson, said in a recent phone interview.

“This was a place they would come and be kids,” Will Rossmeyer said about Camp Boggy Creek. “They didn’t have to worry about someone saying something about them or making fun of them. And, I think that was where my dad fit in because he was the biggest kid of all. These kids would come up and hug him and tears would come out of his eyes.”

His father would say that the camp brings joy to children who have been less fortunate in life. “He used to always tell my sisters and I: ‘You all are all right. You have your fingers, your toes. You have a roof over your head. These kids are sick. And you don’t know how long they are going to be with us,’” Will Rossmeyer said.

Mr. Rossmeyer was among the 11 people who founded the camp and contributed at least $1 million each to the $23 million facility that opened in 1996.

Motorcycle accidents like the one that took Mr. Rossmeyer from his community occur on a daily basis in Central Florida, especially each October during the Biketoberfest event. Many times, inattentive drivers who cross into the path of a rider cause Florida motorcycle accidents. If you or a member of your family has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, Orlando motorcycle accident attorney James O. Cunningham may be able to help you and your family obtain compensation to help pay for medical bills, lost wages and other accident-related costs. Call Orlando motorcycle accident lawyer James O. Cunningham today and schedule your free consultation.

Emergency response personnel say that the victim was eastbound on Indiantown Road about 6:20 a.m. when a 53-year-old pickup truck driver pulled his truck out of the Sierra Square Shopping Center and drove into the path of the oncoming motorcycle.

Lt. Frith said, “For years, this guy [the driver of the pickup] has had a routine—he works at Pratt Whitney and stops there for a cup of coffee.” However, when the driver pulled out of the parking lot this time, he looked through the motorcycle and pulled right out in front of him,” he said.

Having no time to react, the motorcycle rider hit the door of the truck.

Lt. Frith also said, “For some reason, especially when the motorcycles are close, people look over them and through them. We suggest riders wear a reflective vest…or something.”

Only California and Texas have more deaths caused by motorcycle accidents each year than Florida. Although the victim killed in the motorcycle accident was wearing a helmet, the State of Florida does not require motorcycle riders over the age of 20 to wear a helmet while riding. Florida’s agreeable climate for motorcycle riding coupled with higher gas prices has inspired more people to save money by riding a motorcycle. However, the rising number of riders means more motorcyclists will be injured and killed by negligent drivers.

If a motorcyclist is injured or killed due to the negligence of another motorcyclist or driver, he or she may be able to recover financial compensation from the negligent party or the negligent party’s insurance carrier to pay medical bills, reimburse lost wages and for pain and suffering. Orlando motorcycle accident attorney James Cunningham has been helping accident victims receive just compensation since 1977. If you or someone you care for has been injured or killed in a Central Florida motorcycle accident, call The Law Offices of James O. Cunningham to schedule a free consultation.