The Santa Monica Police Department has released details regarding an auto versus motorcycle Collision Fatality that occurred last month.
On February 24, 2012 at 12:20 pm, the Santa Monica Police Department responded to a traffic collision in the 1900 block of Pico Boulevard involving two motorcycles and a vehicle.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the two motorcycles were traveling at a high rate of speed while splitting traffic westbound on Pico Boulevard from Cloverfield. As the two motorcycles neared the intersection of Pico and 20th Street, a 2005 Ford Expedition being driven by a 41 year old female, began making a left turn onto 20th Street from eastbound Pico Boulevard. Due to the speeds which the riders of the motorcycles were travelling, they were unable to stop or maneuver around the vehicle, and one of the riders struck the rear passenger side of the Expedition while the other laid his motorcycle down on the roadway to avoid a collision.
The motorcyclist who struck the vehicle suffered severe head and body trauma and was transported to a local trauma center in critical condition. He was later identified as 22 year old Los Angeles resident, Frank Gauthier. On March 12, 2012 Gauthier succumbed to his injuries.
At the time of the collision, several witnesses came forward and provided information alleging that the two motorcycle riders were racing. The Santa Monica Police Department is continuing its investigation into the collision and anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Chris Dawson at 310.458.8954 of Investigator Jason Olson at 310.458.5787 or the Santa Monica Police Department (24 hours) at 310.458.8495.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call WeTip at 1.800.78.CRIME (1.800.78.27463), or submit the tip online at www.wetip.com. You will remain completely anonymous and may be eligible for a reward, up to $1,000, if your information leads to an arrest and conviction.
Callers can also contact Crime Stoppers by either calling 800.222.TIPS, texting from your mobile, or by visiting their website atwww.lacrimestoppers.org. Callers may remain anonymous and may be qualified to receive a $1,000 reward by Crime Stoppers.
