SOUTH ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO – A motorcyclist and member of the Patriot Guard Riders died Monday while participating in a funeral procession when a minivan slammed into his bike, according to officials.
The 64-year-old motorcycle driver was traveling northbound on Telegraph Road, working as the tail car of a funeral procession to Jefferson Barracks Cemetery, when he was struck around 1:34 p.m, according to St. Louis County police.
The victim, who hasn’t been publicly identified, had just arrived at an intersection when a minivan trying to turn into a nearby Wal-Mart shopping plaza hit him, according to KTVI.
After striking the motorcycle, the driver careened into another vehicle while trying to make a left turn onto Telegraph Road.
The motorcycle rider was rushed to the hospital where he died of his injuries.
No other injuries were reported.
The Patriot Guard Riders is a volunteer group devoted to ensuring the “dignity and respect at memorial services honoring Fallen Military Heroes, First Responders and honorably discharged Veterans,” according to the official website.
The St. Louis County Bureau of Crimes Against Persons, Crime Scene Unit and Accident Reconstruction Team are investigating the crash.
