CA ,Motorcycle club grieves lost friends, “The outpouring of support from the community has been phenomenal,” club president says

OFF THE WIRE
By Debbi Baker and Steve Schmidt
Originally published November 15, 2010 at 12:32 p.m., updated November 15, 2010 at 8:38 p.m.

Members of a Lakeside motorcycle club who survived Saturday’s calamitous crash in Imperial County wrestled with grief and even anger Monday as they mourned the loss of their friends.
Four of the five people killed in the highway accident had ties to the Saddletramps, a proud bunch of San Diego County residents who ride Harleys and like to raise money for charity.
Many locals are stepping forward to return the favor, with offers of money, food and other donations for the affected families. “The outpouring of support from the community has been phenomenal,” said club President Carl Smith.
Several people associated with the Saddletramps remained at UCSD Medical Center Monday, recovering from injuries suffered in the crash on state Route 98.
Club members recalled those who died as hearty personalities with a soft spot.
One of the deceased, George “Bill” Miller, 57, of Ramona, was nicknamed “Bigfoot” by his fellow Saddletramps because he was tall and brawny. He ran his own business, A-Built Aluminum Gutters.
“He was a giant of a man,” Smith said. “As big as they come and as much heart to go with it.”
Deceased motorcyclist Lance Heath, 43, of Alpine, was known as “Demo” among his biker buddies because he worked for a demolitions company. His wife, Amy, 36, also died.
The Heaths had two boys, Garrett, 13, and Wyatt, 14. The couple recently celebrated their 15th anniversary, said Amy’s mother, Carole Ann Godwin.
Amy was a hairdresser for Studio B salon in Alpine. “She loved her kids, loved doing hair and loved her husband,” Godwin said. “They were made for each other.”
Lance’s sister, Rheana Corirossi, described her brother as a wonderful dad who was outgoing and charming. “He never went into a room and came out without knowing everyone in it,” Corirossi said.
The fourth club-related casualty was Tonya Trayer, 37, of Lakeside. She was the wife of 39-year-old Saddletramps member Wilson Trayer, who remains hospitalized with multiple broken bones and other injuries. Trayer’s family has asked that his condition not be released.
Club leaders said Tonya was active with the 4-H in Lakeside, had three children and worked part time for a medical billing company.
Authorities announced on Monday that no drunken driving charges would be filed against Carlos Ramirez Bobadilla, 36, of Mexicali, Mexico, who was injured in the crash when he veered into a dozen Saddletramps motorcycles while trying to avoid an oncoming car.
Ramirez’s girlfriend, Ana Gonzalez, 31, also of Mexicali, died in the crash.
The California Highway Patrol continues to look for the driver of the gold Honda Civic that reportedly spurred the accident when it tried to pass the motorcyclists and barreled into oncoming traffic, nearly hitting Ramirez, who was in a Dodge Avenger sedan.
The crash occurred about 1 p.m. on state Route 98, 17 miles east of Ocotillo.
Saddletramps co-founder John Lomardo, who suffered leg injuries in the crash, was upset that the driver remained at large. “The more I think about this, the angrier I get,” he said.
The blood-alcohol test done on Ramirez came back negative and showed no alcohol in his system, said CHP Officer Pablo Torrez. The test was done after officers said he smelled faintly of alcohol.
Ramirez’s attorney, Sergio Feria, said he saw his client Monday at UCSD Medical Center, where he is recovering from his injuries, including a broken foot and hand.
“Mr. Ramirez is as much of a victim as the other victims,” Feria said. “He’s seriously injured and he’s greatly concerned for all those involved and expresses a lot of sympathy and empathy for everyone involved in this situation.”
Jennifer Barnes, a daughter-in-law of injured motorcyclists Melanie and William Barnes of San Diego, said their injuries were not as extensive as initially reported.
She said William Barnes, 57, underwent surgery for a broken wrist and foot. He was listed in serious condition. Melanie Barnes, 46, was treated for a broken femur and for swelling of the brain, which appeared to ease Monday. She was in critical but stable condition, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Kelly Halley, 42, of Santee, who had her spleen removed, was reported in serious condition.
On Monday, the spot on the stretch of desert road where the crash occurred was marked with a religious candle and a bouquet of flowers and a motorcycle part propped next to it. Personal items — a toothbrush, allergy medicine and some socks — were left scattered about, as were small pieces of the wreckage.
One of the bikes burned during the crash, leaving puddles of molten metal and rubber fused to the road’s shoulder.
The roadway, divided by a broken yellow line, is straight and flat for about three-quarters of a mile to the east and several miles to the west. Skid marks and yellow, pink and orange paint markings left by investigators now mar the road.
In searching for the Honda’s driver, investigators are checking to see if there is surveillance video of the car at the Calexico East or Calexico West ports of entry, Torrez said.
The driver was described as wearing a baseball cap. He appeared to be driving alone and may have been headed to Mexico, Torrez said.
Local recreational motorcyclists, neighbors of the deceased and others came forward Monday with offers of money, food and other donations for the affected families.
The San Diego chapter of ABATE, a motorcycle rights group, said it plans to help organize a benefit fundraiser and blood drive.
Smith said the group planned to start accepting monetary donations to the affected families through its website — saddletrampsmc.com.

steve.schmidt@uniontrib.com • (619) 293-1380 • Twitter at @SteveSchmidt1

debbi.baker@uniontrib.com • (619) 293-1710