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Motorcyclist dies in crash
(by Kathryn A. Burger - August 26, 2008)
Despite the heroic efforts of police and emergency medical personnel, a 34-year-old Belleville man died at the scene from injuries sustained when his motorcycle collided with a van. The crash occurred on Saturday, Aug. 23 at about 4:50 p.m. on Spring Valley Road.
According to Park Ridge Chief of Police Joseph Madden, Michael R. Ybarra was traveling southbound on Spring Valley Road; the crash occurred in the vicinity of Glen Road. “We don’t know yet if he lost control of the motorcycle, but he did make contact with a vehicle traveling in the northbound lane.” The other vehicle was a van driven by a Woodcliff Lake resident. He and his passenger were unhurt.
Madden said at present there are no concerns that the crash was anything more than a “tragic accident.” No one has been charged in connection with the crash that is being investigated the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit in conjunction with the Park Ridge Police Department’s Traffic Bureau. Madden said, “These investigations are automatic whenever there is a fatal vehicle crash” and in no way implies any wrongdoing. Mr. Ybarra was wearing a helmet, Madden said.
When Park Ridge headquarters got the call about the crash, their officers were working a case on the eastside of town. The site of the crash, on the west side of the borough, is an area where the borders of Montvale, Woodcliff Lake and Park Ridge converge. The tour commander asked both Montvale and Woodcliff Lake police to respond. They were first on the scene; Park Ridge officers arrived a short time later.
First responders began administering first aid. Madden said, “They quickly realized that the man had sustained massive head trauma and immediately called for a helicopter, Tri-Boro Ambulance and paramedics.”
Medical personnel determined soon after their arrival that further attempts to resuscitate the man would be futile; he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter, Madden said. All the responders worked together and did everything they could to save the man’s life, Madden said. “Unfortunately, they were unable to do so.”
According to published reports, Mr. Ybarra, originally from Utah, had lived in New Jersey for several years and is survived by his parents and seven brothers and sisters.
Kathryn A. Burger's e-mail address is burger@northjersey.com.
| Comments (2) |
On August 29, 2008 said:
That is a very dangerous part of Spring Valley Road and Glenn Road - really should be a light there. Cars speed on that curve. My sister-in-law lives there and she was the first on the scene when it happened. She called 911. There needs to be a traffic light at the corner of Spring Valley and Glenn Road. |
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On August 28, 2008 said:
I feel very bad for this person.I myself Feel scared because i go on my bike everyday to work in that road.Its very dangerous. |
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