A group of motorcycle riders in Missouri — known as the Patriot Guard Riders — volunteers to honor fallen service members by escorting the funeral processions. Sadly, one of the riders in an honorary escort was killed while riding in formation at the funeral of a fellow service member. While all fatal motorcycle accidents are tragic, this one seems more heartbreaking than others.

According to a report form the St. Louis County Police Department, the 64-year-old member of the Patriotic Guard Riders was riding at the rear of a procession when he was struck by another vehicle. It was alleged that the driver of a minivan failed to yield for the funeral procession as it was moving through an intersection. After he had smashed into the motorcycle, the driver of the minivan continued and struck another vehicle.

The motorcyclist was immediately rushed to a medical facility but succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Under Missouri law, a funeral procession has the right of way once it has entered an intersection. The accident is being reconstructed as part of the investigation, and charges may follow.

When lives are lost in motorcycle accidents that were caused by the negligent actions of other parties, the surviving family members of deceased riders may pursue financial relief through the Missouri judicial system. A wrongful death claim may be filed in a civil court, and, once negligence is established, the court will consider entering a monetary judgment. Documented claims for financial losses, such as end-of-life expenses and loss of income, along with emotional damages, may be presented for the court’s consideration.

Source: fox2now.com, “Patriot Guard motorcyclist in funeral procession struck, dies at hospital“, Alex Fees, March 28, 2016