Two Osceola residents die in motorcycle crash

Tribune Staff Report

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Oct 6, 2008 at 1:18 PM EST

Story Updated: Oct 6, 2008 at 1:20 PM EST

ELKHART — Investigators say speed is likely to blame for a motorcycle crash that killed two Osceola residents Sunday afternoon.

According to police, 24-year-old Richardo Velazquez was driving his motorcycle east on County Road 24, west of Concord Valley Drive, about 2:20 p.m. when he reportedly lost control and crashed.

Velazquez and his passenger, 26-year-old Amanda Jones, were ejected from the motorcycle and thrown to the side of the road. Velazquez and Jones, who live in separate apartments in the 30900 block of Riverbend Circle, later died at Elkhart General Hospital.

Witnesses told police the motorcycle was going at a high rate of speed. Neither Velazquez or Jones were wearing helmets, police said.

The crash is still under investigation by the Elkhart County Crash Investigation Team.

Thursday, Oct 9 at 9:23 PM A friend of family wrote ...

Amanda was a wonderful mom daughter and friend. She was loved by so many. Which was evident at her service today. I am amazed at how cruel people can be. Amanda's mom would be devistated if she read this. Amanda had just got off work and rode home with her best friend and neighbor Beth, which is Rithie's wife. Beth has now lost 2 best friends. Amanda's mom just spoke to her about coming for dinner, ten minutes later Amanda was gone. Don't pass judgement.Love your kids and make sure they know it

Wednesday, Oct 8 at 5:16 PM Charmaine------continuation wrote ...

Adding to my previous note, I also would like to say, I'm getting extremely tired of no matter what type of accident occurs, the first thing that many people and even the media think happened is that alcohol and or drugs are involved. Many times that is the case, but sorry to burst your bubble, not everyone is like that.  Even when all of the facts are not in, many are judging. Get a life. If you feel you must judge someone for whatever reason, start with yourself.

Wednesday, Oct 8 at 4:54 PM Charmaine wrote ...

I have known Amanda since she was 9 yrs old.  She spent many, many days and nights at my house.  She, my daughter and another girl have been best friends for these 17 yrs. They were like sisters. Amanda worked very hard for her family and would never have done anything to intentionally leave her little girl. Now,to those commenting on something illicit going on, let me ask you this--how many of you have not gone somewhere with a friend or neighbor?  No helmets-dumb, but now pray for all involved

Wednesday, Oct 8 at 3:52 PM DAVE wrote ...

I WORK IN SERVICE @FOURWINDS I SEE RICHIES MOM EVERYDAY , MY PRAYERS WITH HIS FAMILY , GOD BLESS THEM , FOR OTHER INCONSIDERENT EMAILS HAVE A LITTLE SYMPOTHY PLEASE.

Wednesday, Oct 8 at 12:36 PM Mike Klemczewski wrote ...

I have owned motorcycles and the driver needs to respect the bike at all times. Remember always speed kills. Not wearing a helmet is stupid. I have known Amanda Joenes for Twenty plus years and she was a great girl and will be missed tremendously. Now take a look at what the crotch rocket is all about. It is shaped to go fast, and relfects speed, Most people that drive them do not ware helmets and act reckless with no careing of there passenger. How many times have we all seen the wreckless use.

Wednesday, Oct 8 at 4:03 AM air bags wrote ...

I think all motorcycles should have airbags like the Honda motorcycles do.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 11:01 PM wondering wrote ...

I feel sorry for the families and thier loss,But why was she on his bike and not his wife? i do not mean to affend any one,just wondering. Bikes are not made for just any one, they are made for people who know how to ride them at a safe speed,Bikes aren`t dangeous, it is the person in control of the bike,just like a car the driver is incontrol, what they do is thier choice,drive safe or speed. prayers to the family and friends and co-workers of both Richie and Amanda.now they can watch frm above

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 10:32 PM CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY wrote ...

CONTIUNE..MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO THE FAMILIES I AM THINKING AND PRAYING FOR U OFTEN EVEN THOUGH I DO NOT KNOW YOU PERSONALLY I FEEL FOR YOU AND I CAN SAY I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH ...I KNOW THAT DOES NOT SEEM LIKE MUCH AT A TIME LIKE THIS...VERY TRULY YOURS ANDI APLOGIZE FOR YOU HAVING TO READ ALL THESE DISRESPECTFUL COMMENTS, THEY MOST LIKELY HAVE NOT LOSS A LOVED ONE FOR THEM TO SAY ON A PAGE SOME THINGS THEY HAVE WITHOUT THINKIONG

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 10:28 PM CONDOLENECES TO FAMILY wrote ...

I THINK EVERYONE HAS A RIGHT TO THEIR OWN OPINION, HOWEVER I DO NOT THINK IT IS FAIR FOR THE FAMILIES WHO ARE GRIEVING THEIR LOST LOVED ONES TO READ THESE NEGATIVE STATEMENTS, REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY SHOULDA WOULDA COULDAA DONE THE FACT IS IT IS DONE WITH THEY DID NOT WEAR HELMETS AND ALL THIS TALKING ABOUT IT IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE THE FACT OF THE MATTER. AFTER LOSING BOTH PARENTS AT A YOUNG AGE I TRULY BELIVE EVRYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON, NO MATTER WHAT THEY WOULD HAVE DONE GOD WAS READY FOR

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 7:10 PM I AGREE wrote ...

I agree with 9:37am, if we are forced to wear seatbelts than cyclists should wear helmets and you know what cars are much safer than bikes arggh this irrates me :)

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 11:14 AM anonymous wrote ...

to offended...you can't tell others how to feel or what to say

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 10:32 AM Stick wrote ...

Once again reckless, poor decisions have taken young lives and left children without parents. The selfish decisions people make don't just affect them, these children will suffer for the rest of their lives. Parents have a great responsibility to behave like adults not thrill seekers. Humans are fragile beings with brains and common sense.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 10:04 AM Offended! wrote ...

This is completely ridiculous! Richie's wife is my cousin. You all need to keep your insensitive comments to yourselves. These are not characters on a TV show. They are real people, with real families who are grieving. You should be offering comfort and encouragement to those left behind, not speaking ill of those who can no longer defend themselves. My prayers are with Amanda's and Richie's families. I love you, Beth.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 9:41 AM Pavi wrote ...

More young people on a crotch rocket die a needless death because of poor choices. I love motorcycles and I don't beleive in helmet laws, but you must use caution and care when riding a bike. If you have a crotch rocket and want to ride fast, go to a track and speed there. Wear the proper protection for high risk activity. And learn a lesson from these people who have had tradjic end to their lives. My sympathies to the families.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 8:37 AM elkhart wrote ...

if we are forced to wear seatbelts around 4 sides of metal they should be forced to wear helmets

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 8:27 AM Winners wrote ...

Out of curiosity to all of you 'insiders' who knew these two people, where were the married man with young children and the lady with a child going together? Not implying, anything, just asking for clarification.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 7:40 AM art wrote ...

richie and amanda you will always be remembered,loved,and missed by all who knew you. richie me and you will still go rideing one day but now it will be on the clouds my friend. i will say special prayer for you and your family and for you amanda and your family my our Holy Father bring piece and comfort to your loved ones.. R.I.P... PS..to those of you who want to blame and point a finger you have no souls and are rude.. these two young souls where kind and loveing parents who left us too soon.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 7:09 AM Loosh wrote ...

Not wearing helmets didn't cause this accident. Excessive speed did.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 6:06 AM Amanda's Cousin wrote ...

We can blame and point fingers all day long but that is not going to bring either of them back. It is a sad tragedy and they will both be missed very much.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 12:24 AM WARSAW wrote ...

You know it is up to the individual person to wear a helmet, but a helmet is not everything,what about the rest of the body , it does not have protection,me personally I would want to wear a helmet but if you dont wear one you will have to live with that choice if something was to happen.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 12:20 AM Dana wrote ...

As much as everyone has their piece to say, Amanda and Ritchie were people who happened to be close to me. They did make a poor decision not to wear helmets, however they are two people who had families and children. The most important thing for everyone to realize is, is that they were people who were loved by many and for everyone out there to learn that they need to grab their families and love them. But please dont tak trash about my friends who never thought they would not be here today

Monday, Oct 6 at 11:53 PM Cornfusion wrote ...

How does this rate an Osceola byline? It's on the east side of County Line Rd. in the new apartment complex behind Walmart. Just wondering.

Monday, Oct 6 at 10:43 PM Charlynne wrote ...

I like so many others worked with Amanda and Richie's wife. This at this very MOMENT should not be about what should have happened, what could have happened, This is about two families that have lost parents. One is left a young widow with two very small children to raise, another little girl is left without a Mother. This is not about who is right or wrong. Beth you are in are prayers, we are here for you. Amanda it just wasn't the same without you this morning. You are missed So Much.

Monday, Oct 6 at 10:19 PM Puerto Ricans wrote ...

we dont care what people say about Richie why dont you talk trash about other people that ride with out helments R.I.P.

Monday, Oct 6 at 9:46 PM jonathan wrote ...

Richie was a good person and will be missed among all puerto ricans R.I.P.

Monday, Oct 6 at 9:37 PM rider 4 life wrote ...

The story speaks for itself. FREE WILL, Every one of us has the power to make CHOICES. Sometimes TEMPTATION draws us in too quickly to make proper choices, ultimately spiraling us down a path we may not have wanted nor have the strength or desire to remove ourselves from. I personally have been on that unwanted path, and made the CHOICE to SEEK JESUS, only to find UNIMAGINABLE Joy, Prosperity, etc., not to mention greater Wisdom to make clearer, smarter, LIFE GIVING CHOICES. God rest their souls

Monday, Oct 6 at 9:27 PM sheila wrote ...

Even if it was Richies fault he silt was a good person but every body makes mistakes

Monday, Oct 6 at 9:25 PM Biker Babe in Michigan wrote ...

I live in Michigan where helmuts are required and ride with my husband on his bike. Even when we ride in Indiana, we keep our helmuts on. It is your only protection. My thoughts and prayers are with the families.

Monday, Oct 6 at 9:06 PM Stan wrote ...

Seatbelts on a motorcycles??? That's ignorant!

Monday, Oct 6 at 8:32 PM Cecilia wrote ...

I worked with Amanda and she is truly missed. From all of us at work we miss you so much!!!!!!!!1

Monday, Oct 6 at 8:05 PM mike wrote ...

Steve,I have been riding for 40 years and I must say you are an idiot. Seat belts on a motorcycle????? If I go down I sure don't want to be strapped to the motorcycle.

Monday, Oct 6 at 8:00 PM Brandon wrote ...

I was there minutes after this happened, Mr Velazquez was my neighbor. RIP.

Monday, Oct 6 at 7:00 PM Frank wrote ...

With regard to this crash, I couldn't be more angry at Mr. Velasquez. He was 100% responsible for the safety of Amanda Jones, and he did not treat that responsibility seriously.

Monday, Oct 6 at 6:45 PM dwb wrote ...

Last week I hit a deer on HWY 104 at about 55 m.p.h. on my Harley and never layed it down. If there were seat belts and air bags on bikes I my be takeing a dirt nap. I was lucky I rode it home

Monday, Oct 6 at 6:42 PM anon wrote ...

I am in favor of a helmet law and this is why: you are much more likley to survive with less serious injuries if you are wearing a helmet....if your insurance doesn't cover all of your care other people are forced to pay for your care ie. increased health care costs for the rest of us

Monday, Oct 6 at 6:19 PM Frank wrote ...

Helmets should be mandatory. If we choose not to make them so, then it should be an automatic "organ donor--any organs necessary" card along with a "do-not resuscitate" order. At least if people get brain-dead from no helmet, other people get to live from their healthy organs. Yes, I ride in Indiana, and yes, I wear a lid. Every time. It's saved my tail for sure at least once--when my helmet was destroyed. Yes, it was the car's fault, and no, I don't care whose fault it was.

Monday, Oct 6 at 5:24 PM mcriderof22years wrote ...

2:56 Steve. I am not for any mandatory law for helmets. It is the rider's choice. More government restriction is not the answer for anything. As far as a seat belt law for bikes, are you crazy? There is a reason for no seat belts on cycles. Have you ever seen one of these things flip, turn and even fly through the air in a crash? That would be a 100 percent fatality rate. Once again if you do not ride don't comment. If you do and want seat belts good luck you you.

Monday, Oct 6 at 3:47 PM Anono wrote ...

Why is it that seat belts are the law in cars and that you can ride a motorcycle without a helmet? Something just doesn't make sense here! You are better protected in a car but are required to wear a seat belt and get a ticket if you don't but you can be less protected on a motorcycle and don't have to wear as much????????

Monday, Oct 6 at 3:36 PM SUE wrote ...

IF YOU REALY LOOK AT IT PEOPLE IN CARS ARE THR MAIN ONES THAT DON'T PAY ATTION! YES HE WAS BEING STUPID. I WAS IN A BIKE RECK AND IT DON'T FEEL GOOD. BUT AT LEAST I STILL HAVE MY LIFE.

Monday, Oct 6 at 3:24 PM Curby wrote ...

I own and ride motorcycles. I feel so sorry for this girl who trusted this foolish guy. I agree with Mel. Risk your own life dude. This issue is not about helmets. It is about pride and the consequences of acting foolishly. Curby

Monday, Oct 6 at 3:14 PM Anonymous wrote ...

once the blood test comes in I'll bet he was drinking

Monday, Oct 6 at 3:11 PM Bristol wrote ...

It suprised me when I discovered that "Croch Rockets" can be financed new and only be required to carry PLPD insurance!!! My thought are for the family & friends who will suffer at the loss of such young family members because of a moment of bad judgement.

Monday, Oct 6 at 3:06 PM okay wrote ...

Steve, We don't need any more laws telling us what to do. It should remain our choice to wear a helmet. Survival of the fittest I say.

Monday, Oct 6 at 2:54 PM Mel wrote ...

If you want to be stupid with your life, that is one thing, but to be stupid with someone else's life is just crazy......

Monday, Oct 6 at 2:28 PM Politico wrote ...

This accident was caused by excessive speed - which doesn't discriminate between types of vehicles. Stupid is stupid - if you are on 2 wheels or 4.

Monday, Oct 6 at 2:10 PM wow wrote ...

i wonder who he was trying to impress. ignorance, not a lack of a helmet led to their deaths.

Monday, Oct 6 at 1:56 PM steve wrote ...

helments and seat belts nee d to be manatory on bikes.when will people learn these things are deadly

Monday, Oct 6 at 1:33 PM wondering why people get so stupid on bikes??? wrote ...

That is horrible!!! People need to use better judgement when riding on motorcycles. When is anyone going to learn?? How many more stupid mistakes have to be made?? Think people think

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