Folks,
Larissa Molles, one of our East Carolina Velo members, was killed by a
reckless driver this weekend. This is the first fatality we have had to
accept. Many of our members are struggling to deal with feelings of grief
and anger.
Here is a link to our memorial page:
http://www.eastcarolinavelo.homestead.com/Larissa.html
Although the driver, (James Russell Farmer Jr. of 207 Ninth St., Ayden NC
28513), was clearly driving in an illegal manner, the North Carolina Highway
Patrol seems to be hesitant to file charges.
It seems to many of us that this may be because public and police perception
in this mostly rural part of North Carolina is that bicyclists don't belong
on the roads and must deal with the consequences when accidents happen.
We would be interested to hear of others experiences.
Also, it may be helpful if North Carolina Residents reading this would
contact the Highway Patrol to ask that charges be filed.
The number I have for the Highway Patrol is 1-800-441-6127.
Pitt County District Attorney 252-695-7200
Comments to our members by Peter Hollis, our club President can be read
below:
----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Hollis" <[email hidden]>
To: <[email hidden]>
Sent: Monday, September 06, 2004 7:32 PM
Subject: [ecvelo] Some Thoughts, Some News
Quoted message said:To all:
Thanks very much for all the concern expressed for Lucas and Larissa's
family, and all of the prayers directed their way. They will need
them in the tough days ahead as this tragedy sinks in.Larissa, her roommate Rhiannon, (who some of you may have met
recently), and Lucas were riding on Ayden Golf Club Road going
backwards on the Livermon's "20 mile loop." Many of you are familiar
with that ride. Riding west, toward the golf club and about 1/2 mile
from it is a 90-degree bend in the road - so the direction Larissa,
Rhiannon, and Lucas were riding would have them come around the bend
to the right heading toward the golf club.Rhiannon was riding in front, Lucas was behind her, and Larissa was
riding double with Lucas. They were properly in their lane and had
just entered the corner when a Ford F350 Crew Cab pickup traveling in
the opposite direction at approximately 40 mph cut the corner short
and came completely into their lane. It is fortunate that both
Rhiannon and Lucas saw the F 350 in time to get off the road onto the
grass to their right. Larissa either did not see the truck in time or
did not have time to react from her position and was hit by the
driver's side headlight and front of the truck, throwing her off her
bike and into the ditch.A passenger in the truck, a former EMT, claimed to be reading and did
not see the accident. He did call for an ambulance immediately and
also suggested that they fly the Eastcare helicopter in as he assumed
the worst. Interestingly enough, the driver claimed never to have seen
the cyclists. That's strange, as I have ridden that route probably
over 100 times and there is a clear view of the road from each
direction for several hundred yards. Why the truck was completely out
of its lane and into the opposite lane will probably never be known.
Why he claimed never to have seen the cyclists and to not have known
what he hit until he stopped may not ever be known either.Larissa sustained serious injuries as she received a glancing blow
from the truck that went up under her helmet and severely impacted the
left side of her head. This is one instance when the helmet was of no
use - 99 times out of 100 it may have saved her life. Wear your helmet.I believe it is fortunate that she probably never knew what hit her.
Those who loved her are not so fortunate in that this wonderful person
so full of life was needlessly snatched from them. At age 23 you are
just supposed to be getting started in life, not reaching its end.I give the description above not to give all of you are vicarious look
at what occurred yesterday, but hopefully to honestly explain what
happened so that you can have a better perspective from which to form
your own conclusion about the culpability of the driver.I was at the scene, spoke to the witnesses, and walked the site. As I
said earlier, I have ridden this road many, many times. In my opinion
the driver was clearly negligent and caused the needless death of one
of our members because of his reckless driving. I don't know what
charges have been brought, if any, but if justice is to be served,
proper charges need to be brought and the driver needs to be held to
account for his actions. You can be sure that I will look into this.Finally, as of this writing arrangements for visitation and funeral
have not been completed. Larissa's mother, father, and two brothers
have been to Greenville and returned home to Concord. I assume that
within the next 24 hours I will know what the arrangements are and
will transmit that information to all of you via this group.As to flowers or other remembrances you can send them to the funeral
home once we know what that is. While I will take care of an
arrangement from EC Velo, I'd also suggest that if you feel the need
you send something yourself or make a memorial gift if an charity is
specified by Larissa's family. I think some kind of a memorial
service/ride as has been suggested by some of you is a great idea, but
lets wait until the formal proceedings are over until we do that. You
can also call or send regards directly to Lucas and the Livermons.As you can imagine Lucas is having a tough time right now. As I write
this Chris Seymour, a great friend of both Lucas and Larissa's is on
his way from Orlando to comfort Lucas and be comforted himself. Once
again it is going to be a long night for many. Keep all in your
thoughts and prayers and keep safe yourself.Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Hollis" <[email hidden]>
To: <[email hidden]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2004 5:58 AM
Subject: [ecvelo] Molles Funeral Arrangements
Quoted message said:To All:
Larissa Molles family will receive guests for a viewing from 7-9 PM on
Thursday. The funeral will be at the funeral home chapel at 2 PM on
Friday.Viewing and services are at Lady's Funeral Home in Kannapolis.
Website: http://www.ladysfuneralhome.com/
Phone: 704-933-2131 or 1-800-942-2131
A number of us will be attending either the visitation, funeral or
both. If you would like further information please contact me directly.A committee of club volunteers will plan a memorial ride/service in
honor of Larissa sometime in the future. If you would like to
volunteer please let me know.Peter