OFF THE WIRE
BY: CASEY BUECHEL
Source: dailytribune.net
A Coatesville, Indiana, man is dead following an accident on the westbound side of Interstate 30 on Friday. Paul C. Baker, 44, was pronounced dead of his injuries at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler at 4:51 p.m. Friday afternoon by Tyler Judge Nitch Shamberger. Baker was part of the Boozefighters, an established national motorcycle club, that was traveling west on the interstate through Titus County. "There was apparently a recap in the fast lane that had come off a vehicle and other members of the club saw it, signaled to those behind them it was there and went around it, but Mr. Baker apparently did not see the signals and struck the recap," said DPS-HP trooper Elbia Garrett, who is the investigating trooper for the accident.
"Mr. Carroll was apparently behind Mr. Baker and also did not see the signals, because he also hit the retread and lost control," added Garrett.
While neither man was wearing a motorcycle helmet, Carroll did not travel as far or hit the pavement as hard as Baker and so Carroll only suffered cuts, abrasions and road rash.
Both men were transported to Titus Regional Medical Center by ambulance.
Baker suffered massive head trauma and was airlifted to ETMC-Tyler after initial treatment at the TRMC's Emergency Room.
The first call concerning the accident reached 911 dispatchers at 1:36 p.m. on Friday, reporting that the accident had occurred near the 165 westbound mile marker.
When Titus County emergency responders arrived on scene, both men were down on the I30 pavement, while their bikes were off the roadway on the north side of the Interstate.
Baker was riding a 2007 Black Harley Davidson, while Carroll was on an orange and gray 2005 American Iron Horse.
