Sunday morning we found out that two brothers we know were killed in such a freakish way. Scary how it all came down.
2 brothers die in crashes
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Steven Kerr
Jeremy Kerr
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By Brian C. RittmeyerTRIBUNE-REVIEWMonday, August 7, 2006
Two Butler County brothers who loved to spend time with each other were killed in separate motorcycle crashes about 100 feet and 90 minutes apart.
Steven Kerr, 37, of West Sunbury, was fatally injured Saturday when he crashed into a sign, police said. Upon hearing of the crash, Jeremy Kerr, 29, of Venango, sped toward the scene to try to help but crashed into the back of vehicle stopped in traffic because of the first wreck.
Jeremy Kerr had the 2004 Suzuki, his first motorcycle, for only a couple of weeks, said his brother, Randy Kerr, 39, of Venango Township, Butler County. Steven Kerr had been riding for a few months after buying his motorcycle this spring.
"They really loved to go out and ride together," said Randy Kerr, whose family includes two other brothers and a sister. Steven Kerr "loved to spend time with Jeremy. They clicked together."
Randy Kerr said his brothers went riding together Saturday afternoon but somehow became separated.
State police said Steven Kerr left the road on his 2000 Kawasaki motorcycle and hit a speed limit sign about 8:55 p.m. as he traveled north of Route 38 in Center. It was unclear if he was wearing a helmet.
"Jeremy found out about it, and he went racing to the scene of the accident to see if he could help his brother," Randy Kerr said.
State police said Jeremy Kerr was speeding and not wearing a helmet when he crashed into the rear of a minivan around 10:30 p.m.
"He died 100 feet from where my other brother died, in traffic that was sitting and waiting because of the first accident," Randy Kerr said.
The driver of the van, Veronica M. Smith, 25, and her passenger, Donna Smith, no age given, both of North Washington, had minor injuries.
Randy Kerr said Jeremy was buying his motorcycle from Steven, who had received it in a will from a friend who died in a crash on the same bike.
"I don't know why Steve crashed. Jeremy's crash was just ... because he didn't understand motorcycles. He didn't know what he was doing," Randy Kerr said.
Steven Kerr was married and owned a general contracting business. Jeremy Kerr was divorced, the father of two girls, ages 9 and 5, and a union block layer. Both had served in the military -- Jeremy Kerr in the Navy, Steven Kerr in the Army.
Randy Kerr said Steven was a hard worker, and Jeremy was an avid weightlifter who loved his children.
"They were just great guys," Randy Kerr said. "They were the best brothers a brother could ever have. If you ever needed them to help you, they were there. We loved each other, and we were there for each other."
A fund to help Jeremy Kerr's daughters has been established at Farmers National Bank in Eau Claire, Butler County, in the name of his mother, Nancy Kerr.
The motorcyle the one rode was involved in a wreck in june and a guy was killed on it.
It is such a great family and my heart bleeds for all of them. The Two little girls are dolls. I hurt for all of them......
The Meanderings of A country housewife and mother.
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4 comments:
How awful for their family. I'll hold them in my thoughts.
Thanks. Their mother is such a wonderful woman. The whole family is nice. My heart still hurts for them.
Wow...so sad, and freaky.
My heart goes out to them.
I hate to say it, but motorcycles are just stupid. Being reckless or careful doesn't seem to matter that much if you are a bag of water perched atop a speeding bullet.
Prayers to the family...
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