I talked to my brother in Thailand
By daeckardt
@daeckardt (6237)
United States
May 18, 2011 3:33pm CST
As you may recall from a previous discussion, my nephew was killed in a motorcycle accident in Thailand last Monday. My brother arrived in Chiang Mai (the city where my nephew died in the hospital) and at the time it was midnight (that was noon my time yesterday). Both he and his daughter (who had been an exchange student in China since September) arrived safely in Thailand. I talked to him again today and he had seen his son's body and the doctors told him that he was probably brain dead as soon as he hit the pole. Although his body lived from 1am until 4pm, what made him him was gone. My brother said that his son's head was all wrapped up so he wasn't able to see the injury, but it was a skull fracture. I guess he will be cremated in the morning and then the next day, my brother and niece will go on to Pai, the city where the accident occurred. They are talking about setting up a memorial at the site of the accident to bring attention to the dangers of riding motorcycles without a helmet since so many people died on that road. I guess the important message here is that if you are going to ride a motorcycle, you should wear a helmet to offer at least some protection so that you don't become another statistic.
2 people like this
5 responses
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
18 May 11
That's another lesson learned, I guess. I'm surprised, though, that there are so many deaths like this and yet a lot don't learn from it. I see a lot of motorists who don't wear helmets for safety measures. Frankly, this should serve as a wake up call along with those other accidents that occurred before, I'm sure this isn't the first time this ever happened in one place. Motorists should be fully aware of this and should follow safety measures when riding a motorcycle. As far as I know, there's even a law regarding this and yet they still ignore wearing helmets. That's pure ignorance if you ask me.
1 person likes this
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
9 Sep 11
In fact you are right about that. I found out not long after my brother got to Thailand that another 19 year old boy (this one from England) had run into the same concrete post a year earlier and was also killed. It is sad that so many people think they are invincible and don't take safety measures. Thanks for the response.
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
9 Sep 11
Yep. Reading the daily newspaper every morning will prove that to you.
@cream97 (29085)
• United States
8 Sep 11
Hi, daeckardt. I think that I have commented on your discussion about your nephew passing away. I am very sorry to hear about this tragic accident.
I am sure that your brother is dealing with his son's passing just as hard as you are dealing with it too. My prayers of love, and concern go out to your entire family. I know how hard that it is to have to deal with a family member passing away. May God grant your entire family the peace, strength and the serenity to get through this tough and sad time.
I am sure that your brother is dealing with his son's passing just as hard as you are dealing with it too. My prayers of love, and concern go out to your entire family. I know how hard that it is to have to deal with a family member passing away. May God grant your entire family the peace, strength and the serenity to get through this tough and sad time.1 person likes this
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
9 Sep 11
My brother is still having trouble, but he spends his spare time writing about his life. It does seem to help him dealing with the situation. I really appreciate your comments. I am dealing well with the situation as well. I seldom think about it any more so it doesn't hurt much like it did at first. It is hard to believe he has been gone for four months already. Thanks for the response.
@AmbiePam (120999)
• United States
18 May 11
I cannot fathom how hard this is for your brother and his daughter. In a foreign country to boot. I wish every place on earth ahd a helmet law. My state does not have one. But I would be way too scared to ride one without a helmet. I guess though, guys, whether young or old, always kind of feel like it won't happen to them.
1 person likes this
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
18 May 11
I think you are right about that. The one time he had rented a scooter for me, I chose to use a helmet, but he chose not to. This was in the winter of 2007. He had already been on his own since September because he chose not to return to China with me when I started my new job but he came back with me after my winter break in 2008. My brother had a scooter in Arizona and he didn't use a helmet either. But he decided after this accident he would never ride again and would discourage all his kids from doing so as well. I wish there were a way to show all these macho people who think it will never happen to them what happens when they get too cocky. Thanks for the response!
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
18 May 11
That's another lesson learned, I guess. I'm surprised, though, that there are so many deaths like this and yet a lot don't learn from it. I see a lot of motorists who don't wear helmets for safety measures. Frankly, this should serve as a wake up call along with those other accidents that occurred before, I'm sure this isn't the first time this ever happened in one place. Motorists should be fully aware of this and should follow safety measures when riding a motorcycle. As far as I know, there's even a law regarding this and yet they still ignore wearing helmets. That's pure ignorance if you ask me.
1 person likes this
@puccagirl (7294)
• Israel
18 May 11
Wow, I had totally missed this story. I am so sorry to hear about your nephew, what a horrible thing for your family to go through. All the best to everyone who knew him, I hope you can stay strong for eachother!
1 person likes this
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
18 May 11
I think I initially posted last Wednesday or thereabouts and again on Thursday with the title "a life cut short". I included an article that was written in the local paper in Pai, Thailand and I will include the link to it here. http://paiexplorer.com/?p=3761. We have been there for each other for the most part so I hope that can continue. Thanks for the response!
