DB for the Florida Gators killed in Motorcycle Accident

[svrds10]

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- A walk-on defensive back for the Florida Gators was killed early Friday when the motorcycle he was driving hit a median at a high rate of speed, police said.

Michael Guilford, a 19-year-old redshirt freshman from Quincy, was not wearing a helmet. Neither was passenger Ashley Slonina, a Florida junior from Lynn Haven who also died in the crash.

The two were riding a 1998 silver Kawasaki motorcycle when it struck a median near campus around 1 a.m., police spokesman Lt. Keith Kameg said. Kameg said officers estimated the motorcycle was traveling 25 to 30 mph over the speed limit.

Police were awaiting autopsy and toxicology reports and investigating a report that the students had been at a gathering at a nearby apartment complex before the crash, Kameg said.

Crisis counselors were available to meet with students who knew Guilford and Slonina.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Michael Guilford," coach Urban Meyer said in a statement. "He was an outstanding, quality young man that was loved, respected and admired by all of us. His unselfish efforts on helping his teammates getting ready to play every week were only a glimpse of the person he was.

"Our condolences and blessings also go to the family and friends of Ashley Slonina, who also passed away in this sad and tragic accident.''

Guilford, nicknamed "Sunshine" because his long blonde hair resembled that of Ronnie "Sunshine" Bass in the football movie "Remember the Titans," was named one of the scout team players of the week following Florida's win over Mississippi earlier this season.

Guilford also mimicked Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith during preparation for the Bowl Championship Series national title game in January.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3060414

[Utta]

That sucks... but what an idiot.

[VegasR6]

Originally Posted by Utta

That sucks... but what an idiot.

Truth.

[11secFOX]

I now seriously think cops are trained to say "at a high rate of speed" when giving accident details involving bikes. That, or there's alot of idiot riders out there pushin' shit way to hard on the street. Why do I think it's the latter. Either way, getting tired of reading that one liner...

[Utta]

25-30 mph above posted Speed limit is usually considered 'high rate of speed'. Its how the reader interprets it.

[11secFOX]

Originally Posted by Utta

25-30 mph above posted Speed limit is usually considered 'high rate of speed'. Its how the reader interprets it.

Well, IF he was riding along a median, I'm going to put my money on a 40mph speed limit area. So I ask, WHY in the hell was he doing 80 in a 40. That's just asking for it if you ask me... It would be hard enough to judge moving obsticals at 40, let alone 80, his room for error went from tolerable to nill. And the fact that he had his girl with him, who is now dead because of him, makes it even more shitty on his part.

And then there's the whole lid thing. But in this case I guess that's good. Because if he lived and she died, man... At least they went togeather.

[Utta]

You just don't know because of your lack of experience.

I hate to criticize others, but I, too, have stated that I wouldn't speed. Its a lot easier said than done though, especially once you discover the bliss of taking a 'perfect corner'. That said, I don't don't like hitting triple digits on the streets. I've done it once, but never again.

If you're having trouble judging your environment going 40 MPH, you should rethink the riding world.

In the end, it was stupidity that killed. The lack of a stern helmet law makes it worse.

[03R6nCobra]

Originally Posted by Utta

You just don't know because of your lack of experience.

I hate to criticize others, but I, too, have stated that I wouldn't speed. Its a lot easier said than done though, especially once you discover the bliss of taking a 'perfect corner'. That said, I don't don't like hitting triple digits on the streets. I've done it once, but never again.

If you're having trouble judging your environment going 40 MPH, you should rethink the riding world.

In the end, it was stupidity that killed. The lack of a stern helmet law makes it worse.

Uhhhh yea...

It's always bad to hear about these things but seriously...Flying down the road at 1am, with your girl on the back, with no lids on, your knocking on deaths door...

[csideblue]

No lid = no sympathy

[6sN7s]

^ Tru Tru