DPS Troopers Brent Henry (left) and David Morris investigate.
2 Motor Scooters Collide on 190 East, Both Riders Life Flighted, SODA, March 1, 2009 - At approximately 2:40 pm on March 1, 2009, a red and white 1998 Honda CR80R dirt bike driven by Jeremy Hillenburg, 33, of Livingston was south-bound on Nursery Road and came to a stop sign at US-190 East. While Hillenburg was sitting at the stop sign a caravan of 4 Harley Davidson Street Motorcycles were passing in the west-bound land of 190. According to a witness, Hillenburg unexplainably pulled out in front of one of the motorcycles. A collision occurred between Hillenburg and a blue 2009 Harley Davidson Street Glide driven by Kenneth Bench, 46, of Magnolia, Texas. Hillenburg was not wearing a helmet, Bench was. Both motorcycles came to rest in the east-bound lane of 190. DPS Troopers Brent Henry, David Morris, and David Flowers were dispatched to the scene along with Polk County Sheriff's Deputies James Romero and Sergeant Perry Alexander, the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department, and 3 Ambulances from Americare Ambulance Service. Life Flight was summoned and both Hillenburg and Bench were life flighted from Soda Baptist Church to Hermann Hospital in Houston, both with life threatening injuries (Hillenburg was in critical condition). All traffic on 190 was blocked as the accident was being investigated and cleared. It is not yet confirmed if either of the parties had insurance. Hillenburg could be issued citations for failure to yield right-of-way, unauthorized use of a dirt bike on a state road, and possibly other citations. Hillenburg's motor scooter was recovered by a friend and Bench's was recovered by a wrecker from North Houston. The scene was cleared and traffic fully flowing by 4 pm.
Jeremy Hillenburg's 1998 Honda CR80R dirt bike lays in the road after he failed to yield right of way.
Kenneth Bench's 2009 Harley Davidson Street Glide on its side leaking gasoline and oil.
Troopers Henry and Morris speak with witnesses at the scene.
All traffic on 190 was blocked during investigation and cleanup.
Kenneth Bench is loaded onto a life flight helicopter...
Jeremy Hillenburg was loaded right by his side.
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