Motorcycle Accident Turns Deadly in El Mirage

An El Mirage man was killed after a being struck by a motor vehicle while riding his motorcycle.

Russell Rhoads was just shy of turning 77 years old when his motorcycle was hit at the intersection of Dysert Road and Acoma Drive.

According to El Mirage Police, Rhoads was not wearing a helmet when the accident took place. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration strongly advocates the use of helmets, and has estimated that helmets save close to 2,000 lives a year.  The NHTSA also estimates that 823 more lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists wore a helmet.

Rhoads was taken to the hospital in extremely critical condition and was later pronounced dead.

Police are not recommending filing charges against the driver, 25-year-old Ashley Marie Harris.  Harris told police that she was getting ready to turn left onto Dysart Road when a large SUV obstructed her view. As she was making the left turn she saw Rhoads but it was too late.

For police to recommend charges against Harris they would need to prove negligence.