Last Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Read Time: 3 mins
Michigan State Police are actively searching for more witnesses to a crash in the City of Rockford that took the life of a state trooper, according to M-Live.
Twenty-eight-year-old State Trooper Timothy O’Neill was killed in an accident at Belding Road and Wolverine Boulevard NE while on duty as part of the motorcycle patrol. The crash involved another motor vehicle, but no one else suffered any injuries.
State Police Lieutenant Kevin Sweeney said that an accident reconstruction expert and a state police detective are still investigating the crash. More details will be released once that investigation is complete. According to the lieutenant, investigators are taking their time to ensure everything is done properly. Fatal cases, noted Sweeney, normally have a longer investigation time than cases that do not involve death.
O’Neill joined the state police in 2014, spending his entire career in Rockford, and he was set to be married on October 7. Several members of law enforcement and the community came out to honor him at his funeral service in Auburn Hills. Local resident and attendee Kathy Albright told reporters that she came to pay her respects because law enforcement officers often do not receive the respect they deserve.
Motorcycle deaths are on the rise
The tragic case of O’Neill highlights just how much risk motorcycle riders face when they’re out on the roads, even if they are members of law enforcement and have had specialized training as a result. In late September, for example, off-duty Los Angeles police officer 34-year-old John Gasparyan was hit and killed by a motorist who was making a U-turn, reports the Los Angeles Times.
The week before the L.A. accident, Highway Patrol Officer James Branik was struck and killed in San Martin, California, while on his motorcycle when a car made a left turn right into his path – a common mistake motorists make that often has deadly consequences for motorcyclists – according to the Mercury News.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, motorcycle deaths are going up based on the most recent data available. There was an 8.3 percent jump in motorcycle fatalities between 2014 and 2015, and in 2015, studies showed that a motorcyclist was 29 times more likely than occupant car passengers to die in a collision per mile traveled. In addition, the fatality rate for registered motorcycles was six times the rate of registered motor vehicles. With the increase of registered motorcycles on the road over the last year and motorists still not completely aware of how to share the road with them, this tragic trend is likely to continue.
A motorcycle accident often has serious consequences for the rider because of the lack of body protection in such an open method of transport, especially when compared to the protection people receive in passenger cars, trucks and buses. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you do have rights. Speak to a motorcycle or car accident lawyer Denver CO trusts today about what you can do for your case. Thanks to Richard J. Banta, P.C. for their insight into motorcycle accident cases.
Patterson Bray
20+ Years of Experience
24/7 Call Answering
Nashville & Memphis Offices
Reach out to Patterson Bray and an attorney will follow up with you soon.
Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve had an outstanding experience with this firm across multiple needs, including trust document creation and forming an LLC. From start to finish, they were professional and proactive. They made sure we understood every step of the process and checked in to confirm our preferences, as well as offering thoughtful alternatives whenever something didn’t feel like a good fit. That level of communication and attention to detail is rare. Every interaction built confidence that we were in the right hands. They not only handled the legal work effectively, but also made the entire process feel manageable and well-guided. We cannot recommend them highly enough and will absolutely continue using them in the future.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Attorney Judith Denham and her legal assistant, Gaby Wright, made a great team in creating a trust for me. Judith explained everything in a clear, cohesive way and set up a trust in a timely manner. She gave me a binder for my trust with all the legal paperwork sectioned off in tabs so I can find things easily. When I had questions, Judith and Gaby were responsive and helpful. I give them my highest recommendation.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am so pleased with my new relationship with Judith Dunham and her fantastic team! They helped me create a Trust and end of life documents that I understand and feel very comfortable with. It’s a relief to have this life task well updated and I’m very grateful to Judith, Gabby and the whole team! If you’re looking for very professional, reliable assistance with these type documents, they are wonderful!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This website was clear and easy to navigate. It does a good job of explaining services and further supports itself with testimonials.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a few (what I would consider) silly questions to ask the legal team at Patterson Bray PLLC. Having very little knowledge of the situation I needed clarity on, I had no idea what to expect. I was met with nothing but professionalism and warmth from attorney Rachel Meadows. She gave me information I didn’t even remotely consider, and my questions were thoroughly answered without judgement. She could have certainly given me less detailed responses, but I felt that she genuinely cared about my situation, and appreciated her taking me seriously. I’m extremely impressed with the service I received from this law firm and will happily recommend it.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After bringing up my specific legal issue, I was quickly and throughly informed on how to get started with hiring an attorney as well as informed on whether or not I have a claim to begin with. They answered all of my questions professionally to a point that I feel extremely satisfied with using their services.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very clearly explained their pricing structure. Rachel was wonderful to speak with.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Carlisle Dale was very helpful with Estate Planning; outlined strategy, estimates and followed-up promptly with well organized deliverables. Thank you!
comes next.
