Billy Lane Accident Truck
September 5, 2006
Here is a pic of the truck he was driving at the time of the accident. Please be warned, it’s not at all pretty. I cannot verify the source of this image. I got it online somewhere. Perhaps I saw it several places. I’m not meaning to rip off anyone’s copyright. If the would like to come forward please do. I’m just trying to report the news as accurately as possible.
Train
Don’t look good.
No, it doesn’t Knuck. I just will be sending prayers for the families of the man who got killed and the young woman who was hurt… and for Billy, too. As some have said, he’s a biker himself. So, he should be aware of other bikers. You see this happen far too often from people who have never been on a bike in their lives. It just chills me to think that Billy could be capable of this as an experienced two-wheeler himself.
Shame on Billy Lane……………..
This is just pure cocky erragents on Mr. Lanes part.. Aren’t people supposed to grow up, and stop acting like teenage boys, when they became famous and rich?
Bikers know more then anyone how fragile life is, you take your life in someone elses hands everytime you ride. So why did he do what ya’ll bikers beg us non riders to do? Act careless and recklace. He should be in jail and loose everything. If people disagree with me then you have NEVER lost a friend to a car accident, caused by another persons stupidity. I hope Mr. Lane see’s the person he killed face everytime he looks in the mirror.
Michelle, I have never lost a loved one due to anothers stupidness. I can only imagian the heart ache. Now we ALL do stupid things. Even if it is 60 in a 55 its wrong. Now Mr. Lane must pay. Oh yes he should. As far as everything, well I’d fair to wager that is a done deal. As far as life as it was for Billy. Ya gatta know Discovery has dropped him. And forevermore he will keep a low profile. And that is after if guilty, he has paid his dues. Our hearts go to all involved and prayers to all. It is not easy to forgive and it will take a long time for some. But it is the only way for peace and closer.
Hi Michelle and Knuck,
I don’t blame anyone for outrage and indignation over this.It is an issue that affects all of us,bikers and not.I must admit that all of the needless tragedy that seems to occur almost daily is getting to me.There is no doubt that riding for me,is not as much fun as I find myself uncomfortable and a lot of the joy I used to feel is gone.I am angry about that.It seems that the government won’t protect us and that life means so little to those who take it with recklessness,alcohol abuse,and just plain insanity.
The thing that I am finding almost unbelievable is how long it is taking to declare if Billy broke the law and if he was legally drunk.People who use the excuse that all of us have driven drunk at one time or another are,in my opinion excusing the unexcusable.This is not the first time it happened with this individual.He has taken his life in his hands many times which,is his business.When he takes it on the road and someone dies then it is all of our business.This is a tragedy and Gerald Morelock is gone.I don’t understand how a man who was arrested for driving north in a southbound lane and is facing charges in N.C,then according to several people was again drunk and riding his motorcycle in Sturgess is still on the streets and a man loses his life.
I feel sorry that Billy is in deep trouble.I feel sorry that our justice system has failed all of us.I feel truly sorry for the Morelock family but I am also outraged.I guarantee you that as I write this there are bikers,cagers,and truckers driving around high on something and someone has been injured or killed.To me,that’s the continuing tragedy.
Beach
Hey Beach,
I appreciate the “service” you have provided concerning reporting on the B.L. incident, mainly because I think it’s important for people to have an outlet and be allowed to “vent” regarding these types of issues. I also commend you on your candor in the recent thread where you said if you had to do it all over again, you might change a few things regarding the way the story was handled.
Tragedies like this generate many things and unfortunately, a “tidal wave” of gossip can be one of them. However, I think as long as the facts surrounding the incident remain just that, no invalid conclusions are reached, and no personal attacks or judgments are made, it still remains a viable topic for individuals to express their opinions and share their feelings.
I started to elaborate on why I disagree with some of the perceptions surrounding this case, but in an effort to be concise and trigger further interaction, I decided to simply post a few questions.
Why are these types of events called accidents? i.e.
If the investigation establishes that the vehicle was fully / properly functioning prior to the time of impact, (barring mechanical failure of any kind, or other non human factors, etc.) doesn’t that dramatically change things? If a person “knowingly” accelerates, turns the steering wheel and crosses a double yellow line in an attempt to pass not one, but two vehicles (with witnesses), all while operating a 3 to 4 ton pick-up truck; doesn’t that show extreme negligence? If the person wasn’t found legally intoxicated at the scene of this collision, given said person’s recent history with vehicular incidents and drinking / D.U.I. history, isn’t that justfiably worse? Isn’t it about time someone with this type of history be held fully accountable for his / her actions?
Isn’t it tragic that this has to happen to anyone? It changes most everyone involved. How do I know this you might ask? The first person / young woman that I truly loved was a passenger in a speeding vehicle with an intoxicated driver. The 4 a.m. wake-up call advising me of her passing,… then to find out days later that “he” walked away and no charges were filed. Maybe I’m not the right person to speak about this issue,… but then again, maybe I’m the “perfect” kind of person to share my experience.
Respectfully,
Bone
Bone,
First let me say that I am very sorry for your encounter with drinking,driving,and the tragedy that can and does happen.I lost a cousin a number of years ago in what sounds like a similar incident.She was a passenger in a car full of kids that was hit head on by an intoxicated driver.Four kids died at the scene.She was one of them.She was a beautiful,intelligent girl who to the best of my knowledge never had anything harder than a beer.I am not even sure she had tried that.She was 16 yrs. old and had her while life in front of her.The accident not only ended her life but devastated her family.My aunt and uncle were never the same.They never got over the loss of their only daughter.
Tragedy happens every day to all kinds of people in this world.It is always devasting to someone,somewhere.The issue I have most of all is with the people who not only allow this type of behavior but,celebrate it.I do believe that people who live in the public eye have some obligation as to how they behave.A lot of people don’t feel that way,I do.I am not against drinking,I am not against having a good time,I am not against getting a little wild.I am against people who take it on the streets,take it on the road.If you want to kill yourself,I can’t and don’t have the ability to stop you.When you take the life of an innocent,you have crossed the line.
Everyone has their own opinion of what’s cool and what isn’t.Some of the motorcycles Billy built,all of the good deeds he did,all those that call him friend are cool.His behavior,the image he loved to portray,the way he risked his life and most importantly the life of others was not cool.I really don’t have anything else to say on the subject and people will form their own opinions.We provide an avenue for folks to vent as that is part of what we do.I am very much impressed with our readers and how they have expressed themselves.I feel like we have a bunch of family sitting down to talk about what happened.This is how Train and I envisioned the beachcruiser.We should hear pretty soon about what Billy actually did and about his condition.Billy will,and probably is living in his own private hell no matter how this ends.He took a life and I am hoping that he did not destroy himself.As a motorcycle rights person and one who who wants the law
strengthened to protect us and severly punish those who injure and kill us this is a particularly difficult event.I will be sad no matter which way it goes.
Beach
Hello
To all the above bloggers. This is great if the rest of the world could do what we are all doing, we wouldn’t be in a WAR. We all come from different backgrounds and have had different situations happen to us in our life. To bring our oppinions and talk like mature adults this is what is important. Yes we have ALL done stupid things. We have driven fast around the corner, driven alittle tipsy, been alittle too recklace in our life. If we stop and think about the wierd things we have done it is a miracle we are all alive.
The reason I get very passionate about recklace driving and driving drunk “weather BL was or was not he did do it in the past”. I grew up with a Trauma Nurse who at 6 I was brought in the ICU shown what happens without a seat belt, at 16 what happens to teens who drive recklace, and at 21 I was dragged into the morge and show dead, blody body’s of parents and there kids, who lost there life to a drunk driver. He walked away, with a slap on the wrist. Yes will BL suffer the reast of his life because of this, maybe. But it is time that we as a socciaety STOP sensationalizing, the BL’s of the world, and take stand that this is serious. Bikers seem to get all revved up when this happens to one of their own, i:e when a car hits a bike drunk or not, but then the next big show or festival comes around, the sadness we are all writing about will be tossed out of our hand and replaced with a beer, and speed down the road.
I don’t ride, but I have grown up knowing what really goes on at biker rally’s. We can all go and have fun and drink, but then lay down and take a nap or get a Taxi home. Okay this is really long, but just thought it needed to be said.
Thank You
Michelle Wardlaw
I’m heart broken over this incident - it’s tragic for Billy, his passenger and of course the victim and his family.
It’s amazing to me, that someone said Shame on Billy ????
Has not EVERYONE on bike or in a cage not been careless from time to time? Sober or otherwise. Do we not speed, talk on cell phones, change CD’s, etc. ?
Are you so perfect and free from any error that you can be sooo judgmental. The only difference between Billy right now and the rest of us, is the out come, and the fact that he has to live with it.
I have lost many and feel greatly for the family and friends for their loss. I can not however imagine the difficulty Billy is facing. My heart really goes out to this guy, especailly knowing he will in no way take this lightly.
I say this after riding my own scoot for 17 years never drinking on it.
As bikers, we do tend to be more relaxed in the car, because we are not so defensive and ready for other vehicles and creatures, etc.
Something for all to consider when driving, riding, or commenting on any situation such as this.
To All - ride safe, drive safe - be safe and have an open heart!
Take care
I went to court with my cousin last week. Drunk in public. It had been approximately 5 weeks since it happened and they had not gotten the tests back so the case was pushed back to December. It does take 6 to 8 weeks to get the results, of course they didn’t ask for her test result to be a priority.
Hi Sporty, Grl, and of course Big Mack.
We want to welcome Sporty and Grl to the beachcruiser family. We hope you like it here and will drop by frequently. Everyone expresses themselves differently and one must understand that in a tragedy like this that is not an easy thing to do. I think most feel badly for Billy as no one thinks this was an intentional act and no one wishes him harm. People are annoyed and outraged by what happened — both the incident and the act of irresponsibility. Sure,people cross a double yellow somewhere every day. The lines are there for a reason and when someone does that they risk their own lives as well as the lives of any innocent person who just is in the wrong place at the wrong time. What happened to Gerald Morelock is heart breaking. Whether Billy was drinking or not, he did what all bikers fear the most. Billy was irresponsible driving a cage, a truck no less, and an innocent guy was killed. To me, the differences are that Billy is a biker, his history, and that a man died. Billy was a loaded gun waiting to go off. His behavior was out of control then and for a long time. Although he had been cited for various acts in North Carolina and for other
driving related incidents no one tried to stop him. He obviously didn’t learn from any of it as this happened after N.C. This is where I have a lot of trouble. I know people who got caught drinking and driving and went straight to jail for a couple of days and were fined heavily. Second offenders went straight to jail for awhile and lost driving rights. Why wasn’t Billy stopped? Why was he even in a position to cause a death? Something really smells here and maybe it could have been prevented if Billy was treated like many I know who had absolutely clean records or were just very slightly over the limit. A heavy fine and a little jail time has a very sobering effect on most people. The whole thing stinks.
Beach
Darn tootin’ it stinks, and i think it will probably will get a lot worse. Later.
Beach
I have read all your responses to various comments. All I have to say is through us yelling and being defensive, and upset, you always seem to be neautral. I think that is great. To the above blogger BDGRL7 yes we ALL have made mistakes, but there comes a time when you pass the age of 17 that you are supposed to GROW UP. That is what we are ALL saying. The BL’s of the world feel like they are invincable, and nothing can touch him. This is NOT his first and I don’t think it will be his last time to be a ASS. When you are behind the wheel of anything your priority is to drive, watch, and be careful. Because under the most perfect conditions bad things happen. So why do people add fuel to the fire. If you want to act like that go on your property and fool around. Don’t put me, or you, or our children at risk cause you need to feel powerful and all cocky…
Have a great day.
Michelle
BDGRL7,
Welcome. However based on comments from the other forums I regularly visit, most members here have been more kind, compassionate, and less judgmental than anywhere. I think I understand some of the points you’re trying to make, but I have to draw the line with, and I quote you, “The only difference between Billy right now and the rest of us, is the out come, and the fact that he has to live with it.”
I’m sure you didn’t intend for us to take that statement literally, because if you did, of course you’d be incorrect. I certainly haven’t and hopefully no one here ever has, or ever will, kill another person while driving a vehicle. Regardless of the circumstances, does it really matter if someone is lighting / smoking a cigarette, putting on make-up, drinking a 64oz Double Gulp, eating tacos, wrestling with their pet, admonishing their children, etc. ,… as far as I know these still remain legal acts while driving. The end result remains the same. As Beach basically said, I think most people are having difficulty with this due to the recent history of B.L. With that in mind, sadly it appears that on Labor Day, he showed a tremendous amount of irresponsibility.
Bone :(
BDGRL7,
Welcome. However based on comments from the other forums I regularly visit, most members here have been more kind, compassionate, and less judgmental than anywhere. I think I understand some of the points you’re trying to make, but I have to draw the line with, and I quote you, “The only difference between Billy right now and the rest of us, is the out come, and the fact that he has to live with it.”
I’m sure you didn’t intend for us to take that statement literally, because if you did, of course you’d be incorrect. I certainly haven’t and hopefully no one here ever has, or ever will, kill another person while driving a vehicle. Regardless of the circumstances, does it really matter if someone is lighting or smoking a cigarette, putting on make-up, drinking a 64oz Double Gulp, eating tacos, wrestling with their pet, admonishing their children, etc. ,… as far as I know these still remain legal acts while driving, but should they be? The end result remains the same. As Beach basically said, I think he and most people are having difficulty with this incident due to the recent history of B.L. With that in mind, sadly it appears that on Labor Day, he showed a tremendous amount of irresponsibility.
From what I’ve heard, he’s very remorseful, but wouldn’t most of us be?Nonetheless, I feel genuine sorrow for Billy, or for that matter, anyone in his position. There are no winners, period!
Bone :(
Sorry “all”,
Had a power surge and didn’t realize the first post had been sent!
Hey,
Sometimes it’s hard to be the mediator of something like the Billy Lane story but,it needs to be done and I
mean every word I say.I have my own feelings and they are rather complex.I have done my best to express them and maintain some objectivity.I wasn’t always able do do this but I have matured a lot the last couple of years.Our readers help a lot.We have people in our family who can express themselves absent hate and intimidation.It’s a lot easier to think about the issues with an even hand when you aren’t feeling attacked.We have a great bunch of people visiting here and the number is growing.That’s exactly what we hoped for when we began.I have found that respect is infectious.Generally,if you treat someone that way they will respond in kind.Some don’t “get it” and we don’t want them here anyway.Before labor day,Billy was a magnet for controversy.This is something totally different.This is about all of us who ride.There is a sincere effort out there to get us some ample protection.I believe people who injure or kill a biker should be treated like any other thug who kills an innocent person.I am for serious consequences for these people depending on what exactly happened.The days of small fines and a slap on the hand must stop.A motor vehicle whether a cage,a truck(big cage) or a motorcycle should be treated the same as a person who assaults another with a gun,a knife,a baseball bat,or some other lethal weapsn.The above mentioned vehicles are just as lethal.
Accidents can happen to anyone.There are a lot of serious ones and someone is usually at fault.We have to differentiate between an inadvertant mechanically,weather induced,or somewhat innocent mistake and recklessness,irresponsible behavior,self induced impairment,or out and out insanity.I don’t know how exactly to define it but,we all know the difference when it happens.In this case Gerald Morelock lost his life.It could have been a bunch of kids,a school bus,or an entire family.This was absolutely not pre-meditated,not a viscious act,nor is Billy a bad guy.If he crossed a double yellow,if he was legally drunk,if he was high on something.A judge and jury should decide what happens and weigh the circumstances.Every deadly act is not the same and should be treated on it’s own merrit.One thing is for certain.When someone repeatedly breaks the law and doesn’t stop,that person(s) need to be dealt with accordingly.I don’t want to see two lives lost.I want justice and Billy to have to do everything he can to make ammends.I don’t want to see him suffer also.I believe he is suffering as I write this.Putting Billy behind bars for too long a period of time or worse,won’t bring Gerald Morelock back.Billy,being the celebrity he is,is in a position to make Geralds death mean something and to try and help make sure it doesn’t happen again.If Billy get’s, and doesn’t take that opportunity then,he’s not worth the people who are standing up for him.If he does anything like this again,they should throw away the key.
That’s just my opinion.I don’t expect everyone or even one person to agree.I hope this turns into something a lot bigger and more important than Billy Lane.
Beach
Beach, I could not have said it better. I pray that WE ALL (myself included) learn something from this senseless tragedy and come away with a wiser, kinder direction in life. No one is promised tommorrow, be thankful for what we have. Later.
Hey Mack,
Thanks for the comment.I guess at least one person does agree.I have given this a lot of thought and this seems to make sense to me.I think we need some good news to talk about.
Bone wrote to me and said he still wants a couple of Big Macs with special sauce.He doesn’t care how you spell your name.He’s hungry.
Beach
Hey hey now,
The “special sauce” had better be the genuine recipe from McDonald”s, not some other creation from you two twisted jokers! Beach you’re right, I stay hungry. Small pets have been known to disappear around me,.. “get into me belly”!
Bone :)
Okay, I draw the line at the Big Mac, with secret sauce.. Chicken Nuggets with a combination of Honey and Hot mustard..Then a huge slice of peach pie..
Applaud all of you gentleman for the wonderful conversation. Have a great day. Here in Oregon it is raining cats and dogs. SO hope sun is in ya’lls neck of the woods..
Michelle
Special sauce? Children McNuggets? Motorcycles? What the!@#$%???!!! That does it! I’m goin’ back to the “DYS-COVERY” site where i can be properly insulted by intelligent people with “class”! Later.
Aw, c’mon Mack. “Ya gotta eat!” ;-)
Ooh! While we’re on the subject of food, I want some of Britt’s “bangers and mash”, some Cornish pasties, heck I could even go for some fish & chips as long as there’s vinegar… All of this has to come with a Black & Tan or twelve of course!
Beach,
I’ve been reading the postings on your sight for a long time and just decided in the last few days to join. I know in the past you haven’t always had good things to say about BL. I think the post that you made today at 4:14 shows that you are being open minded on this issue. BL could make a huge difference by speaking at schools, kids are going to listen to him before they listen to a straight laced cop, and he could take donations for families affected by drunk drivers during his blood sweat and gears tour.
I was at the Holiday Inn in NC the night BL was arrested. The parking lot was one big party and I’m surprised he is the only one that got arrested. I’m VERY lucky I wasn’t arrested.
If nothing else, this accident has made me change my ways. I won’t get behind the wheel after I have been drinking.
I was on my bike this past Sunday and noticed on the way home several cars were over the yellow line on the road that leads to my house. I think from now on I will ride to the right next to the white line, unless I’m riding in formation and I am forced to ride next to the yellow line.
I have always been a Billy Lane fan. Too bad I’m not a close friend of his because I have no problem trying to keep my friends from driving drunk. I’ve made some of them mad at me but they get over it.
I’m hoping BL wasn’t drinking.
Hey Sprty,
We’re glad you decided to join.Please come back often.I too am much more aware of the lines,the blind curves,people behind me and on both sides.I try to keep a stopping distance from the person in front of me.I have been riding for a long time and it wasn’t always this dangerous.Part of that was less traffic,part of that was just the way it was.I really don’t know.I have been down several times and it is not cool.It is part of what we love so we take the chance.It’s tought enough with sand,loose gravel,bad roads,weather.We have to deal with that cause that’s what we do.I am in a small abate group.This year,2 were killed and four crashed.One was killed at his own fault and two just had bad luck.That’s 6 people out of about 30.It’s almost like a plague.I love to ride.It is a joy in my life.I love the people and the lifestyle so I ride.As I have said in the past,it just isn’t as much fun when almost every day you read about an accident.I have nothing personal against Billy.I don’t know him very well.I kind of saw what was coming and I know the life.What people thought was cool was killing them and my friends,my brothers and sisters.I felt I had to say something.
Beach
Sporty,
You’re welcome here, glad to have you. Unlike some blogs / forums, we don’t condone negative posts and petty / personal attacks, or bickering. You’ve been polite thus far, so thank you. I / we appreciate differing viewpoints and as long as it’s presented in a positive manner, I think you’ll always be welcome at thebeachcruiser.com.
Mack, not sure what to say other than it appears you have the potential to be one warped individual,… and I like it.
Michelle, we (us gentlemen, wow haven’t been called that in a while) can converse about a lot of things, food included. Speaking of cats and dogs, they’re quite popular in some areas of the “Orient”. I assume if you’re hungry enough, meat is meat.
Alright Train, now you’re showing some worldly knowledge. My fave was the Indian, really good quality! Black and Tan, you’re my kind of woman, but “no worries” Beach, you’re a Bro. How about a steak & kidney pie? Not me, sorry but I don’t do organ meats. As far as the fish & chips, are you aware that the entire country went vegetarian? They can no longer commercially cook the chips or anything else for that matter, in animal fat / oil. Needless to say, I wasn’t impressed with U.K. chips and the best “chips” we had during our trip to Europe were in Amsterdam,… “Pom frites” as they call them, they were dynamite. In case some of you are wondering, the scene from “Pulp Fiction” was accurate, they love mayonaise on their fries,… takes some getting used to.
I know this hardly has anything to do with the original topic of this thread, or motorcycles for that matter, but I agree with Beach and others, why not move on to something more positive for the time being.
I wish you two the best, including a safe trip home.
Bone :)
As an owner of 3 most beautiful German SHepherds, I could not go there. Now, cats oh yeh, I could eat them.. EVIL..
Sporty- very good and wise comments.
Gentleman, try Lamb Osso Bucco, glass of red wine, butternut squash risotto. Of course at home. Because we are NOT drinking and driving..
Have a good safe night.
P.S. Since this is a Motorcycle blog, I do have a question? What would be the best first motorcycle for a girl? Of course for a girl who wears red shoes, and very girly. And has never ridden, but would like to learn.
Michelle
Hello Michelle,
As far as “the best first motorcycle for a girl” question goes, there are probably as many opinions as there are choices of motorcycles. But to me, I would just use a little common sense. First, it would be a good idea to plan on attending an accredited riding course. Whether or not you do that prior to buying your own bike, all depends if you want to “dump” your motorcycle or theirs while learning. Just kidding!
Seriously, about the motorcycle. I think a conventional style street bike, or “cruiser” style is the best to learn on,… they have an even power band, enough power to be fun, but they’re not unpredictable for the inexperienced rider, and typically have a low center of gravity / seat height, etc. The metric manufacturers offer the best choices in this category. Whether it’s a Yamaha V-Star, Suzuki Boulevard, Honda Shadow, or Kawasaki Vulcan, they all offer bikes in the 650 to 800cc (suggested max. for beginners) category, which I think is a good place to start. At least most of these bikes have enough power that you can “cruise” for a while at 65 to 75 m.p.h. without straining them too hard. Some people are of the mindset that you should start with something tiny, like a 125cc or for instance a Honda Rebel 250. I however disagree with that theory, because most people learn fast enough that within a few weeks, they’ve outgrown the “training motorcycle” and they want something that feels comfortable at highway speeds, or that they can ride along with more experienced riders on lengthy trips with much larger machines. In the end, you need a motorcycle that not only fits your height / body structure, but one with a style you like and look good on “wearing red shoes”. J.K. If you have a fairly close friend that rides, I would suggest asking them to go along with you and look at some bikes, after all it is a form of “shopping”, I know “us guys” like to do it too, but chances are the friend will know you,… your personality, the specific riding conditions in your region of the country, etc.
I hope that helps!
Bone
p.s. Dang, still with the food, now I’m hungry for Lamb and it’s only 8 in the morning. Have a great day!
Bone
Thank You Thank You
I love all the suggestions. Oh yes a training course would be in my best interest.
When I had looked at learning to ride, I looked at Hondas and of course Harley’s “because father is a harley man”. But I get so over welmned when I look at them. I guess one step at a time right? Thank You so much…Of course the bike will have to come in Pale Pink….
Michelle
Billy Lane faces charges in fatal crash
BY J.D. GALLOP
FLORIDA TODAY Post a Comment View All Comments
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FHP spokeswoman Kim Miller said Lane’s blood alcohol level was .12 when the accident occurred on State Road A1A south of Melbourne Beach.
“That’s over two times the legal limit of .08,” Miller said.
Ummmmmm, I don’t think that .12 is more than .08 X 2. Wouldn’t that be .16?
Perhaps she misspoke. But then WHY would a reporter not question the statement? Maybe the reporter mistyped it. Where is the editor/proofreader?
Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 1:56 pm
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Perhaps she misspoke. But then WHY would a reporter not question the statement? Maybe the reporter mistyped it. Where is the editor/proofreader?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I think the Fla Today proof reader is also the Forum Moderater:)
Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 2:22 pm
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Post a Comment View All Comments
Enlarge this image
In custody. FHP spokeswoman Kim Miller said Lane’s blood alcohol level was .192 when the accident occurred on State Road A1A south of Melbourne Beach. Lane is being taken to Brevard County jail. Kathleen Hinkel, FLORIDA TODAY
ADVERTISEMENT
COCOA — Local motorcycle builder Billy Lane turned himself in at 1 p.m. today in connection with a fatal accident Sept. 4.
Among the charges Lane faces are driving under influence, manslaughter and driving with his license suspended.
Lane, 36, arrived with his lawyers at the Florida Highway Patrol office on State Road 520.
FHP spokeswoman Kim Miller said Lane’s blood alcohol level was .192 when the accident occurred on State Road A1A south of Melbourne Beach.
She said bond would be set at $15,000.
Investigators have said Lane was trying to pass two other vehicles on a double-yellow-lined stretch of A1A when his southbound 2006 Dodge Ram pickup collided with a northbound 1983 Yamaha moped.
Melbourne Beach resident Gerald Morelock, 56, was killed. Lane and a passenger in his truck were injured.
For almost 20 years, Lane has made a name for himself building custom “choppers.” He has appeared on the Discovery Channel’s “Bike Build-Off” and “Monster Garage.”
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Contact Gallop at 321-242-3668 or jdgallop@flatoday.net
I think this, I think that, Who cares what you think..Dont you people have anything better to do?
Hey Vacman,
Why don’t you go away.No one asked you to come here.This is a website where people like you aren’t welcome.We respect each other and discuss issues.You are exactly the kind of person we DON’T want.You are not welcome here.Our readers are caring,thoughtful,intelligent people.You DON’T qualify.There are plenty of sites where bottom feeders such as yourself are welcome.The beachcruiser is not one of them.
Isn’t it interesting, Vacman, that you “don’t care what we think”, yet you took the time to write the comment. So, you obviously “didn’t have anything better to do” either. Well, you won’t have to worry about wasting your time with us ever again. All members of thebeachcruiser family honor “the rules”. That is, we can say whatever is on our minds as long as we are respectful and courteous of each other. As you obviously have not yet mastered these elementary dicta of social etiquette, you are not qualified to participate here. Best of luck in finding a suitable forum for your expression.
Train
The mere use of the expression, (quote) “you people”, speaks volumes! Sayounara, “Hooverdude”.
Vacman
You are so observant, yes “We think and we speak, and we inform each other”. What a wonderful world it is to beable to discuss various issues. Drinking and driving, accidents, what type of bikes to buy,and even food. This is called LIFE. SO we ALL have one, do YOU?
We all have jobs, and friends and familys, and we want to encourage each other to stay safe, and be well. Again it’s called life. So enjoy yours, and thank you for your free speech, what a great country we live in to speak our minds.
Have a great day
Michelle
Hey Michelle,Bone,
You make me very proud.Thank you for standing up.We love our family members and take pride in the forum we provide.It’s great that people who probably would never meet otherwise can come here and express their thoughts,their feelings,their ideas,their opinions and maybe share a joke or an experience.We founded the beachcruiser on that principle and it is the backbone(no pun intended) of this website.We don’t have to agree with each other. Iowa low Rider said and I said earlier that it would be a pretty boring world if everyone had the same opinion.The secret is respect.That’s hard to do when emotions are involved but,mature,intelligent people learn how to handle emotion.We are all guilty of saying something we wish we hadn’t and people I admire aren’t afraid to apologize.I mean the Billy Lane issue and alcohol abuse are certainly emotional issues.I am quite sure there will be many others and I know our family will have something to say.We encourage that as I am surely not above listening to another opinion and try and be open minded.I have learned a lot from listening and have been known to change or alter my opinion based on that.I think our readers have handled this current event with sensitivity and respect.I am proud of that.My opinion of Billy Lane has changed because of what so many have said.I mean I respect D.J and I respect Rick Fairless and I respect the opinions of those who know the man fairly well.There are a lot of folks who really like(love) this guy.That has to mean something.
You guys made me feel good.Thank You-Beach
“V” I think my brothers and sisters said it all. God bless the freedoms to speak our brothers and sisters have givin us, as they have since 1776. You can just move on and find the negative (blog) life you live.
I know that this has probably been beaten to death, but here is my 2cents on it. I really have grown to love the bikes and the ways of billy lane over the past years. This whole mess came as such a shock. I run with a bunch of bro’s that drink beer and have a good time. Everyone has messed up at one time or another wether it be getting a DUI or a bar brawl. I know some bro’s who got run down on their scooters, but never anyone who took out a rider. Everyone I know (Self included) has gotten a lawyer right away and handled his own business. As far as I can see Billy has a bunch on his plate right now. Probably a lot more than you or I would if we were in his shoes. That would be my assumption on the team of lawyers. Yeah I will lose some respect for the man if he gets off, but he is dealing with it. I guess we’ll just have to see. Don’t hate on someone/thing you have no knowledge about…..
Hey Bonny,
Welcome to the beachcruiser.We’re glad you stopped by.Your two cents is important.It’s just as important as mine or anyone elses.We’re glad you took the time to comment.Come on back whenever you like.
Beachcruiser, best site I’ve seen in regards to the Billy Lane thing. You are most logical and fair, and the posters are also. For what it’s worth, I’ve changed my riding/driver habits some after Billy’s thing and also an accident near my home late one night. Hearing the driver moan and call for help at 2AM has me thinking hard about my own drinking habits and my vulnerability on the Fatboy. Great site!
Hey Stoney,
Welcome to the beachcruiser.Your post is the best thing that has happened in awhile.Thank you for the compliment but,more than anything else for the story.You are a vey cool dude for sharing it with us.You are the first person out of many to actually say that what happened has made a difference.That’s everything to me.The fact that you are thinking about things and contemplating change is great.Above anything,we are hoping that what happened with Billy will matter.You have made it matter.We really appreciate you coming up and sharing your story.Please come back often and share your thoughts,your ideas,and if you need some support,you can get it here.We have a very cool family.
Welcome to the beachcruiser family.You made my day.
Beach
Bonny, I don’t believe anyone here hates. We discuss an incedent. A bad one at that. There is no hate here. We speak of what is writen in the media and our observations over the years of BL. As you know running with the pack (as I did) it is in the cards that something bad is going to happen when you run hard and fast. Be it someone close or someone you just know. I know a bar brawl can cost 96 stitches just to put an eye back in a head. So what we do here is speak our minds on what we have went through and have witnessed in life. And how to avoid it. There is no hate here. The Beach, Train and others have reported on what the media has given us. As far as comment that is what we do. BL has to pay the price for his deeds. No one here wants to see him hung. Go back in these archives and you will see we are not hate mongers.
Thank you Knuck,
You got that straight.People like to use the word hate too much.If you don’t agree with someone or something they say you are a hater.We are secure about who we are and we do not hate.We were commenting on Billy and his work and his lifestyle a long time before the accident.Hell,if you don’t like something and it is put in front of you don’t you have a right to comment? That goes for people and things you like as well.I say you do and so does the Constitution(freedom of speech).That is one of the cornerstones of what we are trying to do here.Freedom of speech without intimidation or suffering a verbal beating just because you have an opinion.It would be my opinion that the attitude people have for and against Billy,his work,and the accident tends to be passionate and polarized.Here at the beachcruiser I think we have tried to be as fair as possible however,we are entitled to our opinion as are our readers.People don’t have to come here.People don’t have to agree.We don’t edit people who don’t agree,we support that right.We only edit people who abuse others and try to intimidate content.
Me and Knuck,and some of our family have been around awhile.We have seen a lot simply because we have made it this far and are long time motorcycle riders and enthusiasts.If you think we aren’t tough you would be wrong.Age has just made us change the way we think a little.Billy isn’t new.There have been many Billy’s.We’ve seen em come and we’ve seen em go.The best part is we’ve seen some grow up and really make a difference.There are a lot of tough guys who don’t need to prove it.The really tough guys and gals I know just are.Tough by the way starts in the head.If you don’t learn anything from life then you’ve wasted a life.That’s all that’s going on here.We are lucky to have a lot of readers who have lived hard and made mistakes and are still here to talk about it.That’s what we do here.We talk about it.
Beach
Hey Knuck,
Sorry, I wasn’t trying to call anyone specifically a hater. I have seen so much trash talk on so many sites about this incident. I agree with you, BL needs to step up to bat and deal with this like a man. I just see the reason for the lawyers though. I went in to court once on a BS charge and ended up getting my arse handed to me because I was so uneducated about the judicial system. Sorry if I offended anybody, I think it was the change to night shift causing me to have a good case of “chapped ass”. Anyway, BL is scheduled to be in court tomorrow here in NC in Rowan county for his mess that happened during the smokeout. Are you guys gonna get thee info about that?? I would be interested to hear what happens here. NC is a weird one about DUI. SOmetimes they throw the book and some times they lay off…
Hey Bonny,
I didn’t take what you said in a negative way.Thanks for writing.You’re welcome here man.Come back often.You’re family now.We want to hear what you think.I guess we get tired of all the crap too.We’re just trying to do something good for our bro’s and sisters.You’ll see.With folks like you and many others we are becoming what we hoped for.Knuck is a very wise,very cool,old guy .No,we’re not real old.We’re just a bunch of people who really like each other.Knucks been with us since before the beachcruiser.He is a good man,a good soul,who has a lot to offer.There’s a saying”it’s a shame that youth is wasted on the young” I think it’s true.You gotta get lucky and live long enough to appreciate that.
Yeah,we’ll be covering Billy.We don’t know how they’re going to handle it with the Fla thing coming up so soon after this.It’s a big mess.I lived in North Carolina for 4 yrs.You never know what anyone is going to do anymore.See,most of us couldn’t afford all the lawyers anyway.I guess Billy can so it probably will help him.There’s going to be a lot of stuff coming down and I’m sure it will take a long time until something actually happens for real.I read an article today that Billy is tooling around on his motorcycle.I can’t believe that with no license and the charges hanging over him but that’s what a guy in Melborne said yesterday.We’re going to try and not report rumors.We’re going to try and stick to the facts as we know em.
Over easy-Beach
This post is in response to the photo of the BMW. I saw Billy at the Rowan county fairgrounds on that Saturday and he was not drunk. I talked to him. He had alot of road rash on the inside of his upper right arm and his right side. He was in alot of pain. I was walking out of the fairgrounds and I saw him leaving. He was on his bike and again he did not appear to be drunk. I was at the Holiday Inn early that night and the parking lot was full of people partying. In this months issue of The Horse magazine there are pictures of the Holiday Inn parking lot on Sunday morning and it looked completely trashed. It appears there were alot of crazy people partying in that parking lot. I wonder how many were arrested?
if they drink and drive or ride they need to be arrested!!! i have been and i am willing to stand up a say that i had it coming and got what i deserved. i lost my job , my pickup, and most of all the respect of my daughter for doing such a stupid thing. somehow i feel i know what will happen…. a guy with money and a good lawyer, the rest is quite clear.. sure hope i’m wrong and he pays good and learns how to be a man for a change.. time will tell. he is a killer and i hope he doesn’t hide behind a wa. wa. reason like i did’nt know what i was doing because i’m an alcholic. he’s a drunken party boy with a inflated ego. hope this has taken some of the wind out of his sail…..
Hey xftu,
Welcome to the beachcruiser.We appreciate your comment.Your opinion is like many others who have spoken here.I’m sorry you had to go through what you did.Please accept my respect for turning it around.That’s a very hard thing to do and I respect you for the strength to do it and the guts to talk about it.Come back soon
“”This post is in response to the photo of the BMW. I saw Billy at the Rowan county fairgrounds on that Saturday and he was not drunk. I talked to him.”"
And you an authority? Sorry, but if you do something stupid, like cross a double yellow, time to pay.
Hello Beebster,
Welcome to the beachcruiser.
Am I an authority on what? Stupidity?.You said you spoke with Billy Lane and he was not drunk at the Smoke Out. Were you with him in the late afternoon or night before he was arrested for dui and driving the wrong way on a one way highway? Please clarify why you are so sure he was not dui.
We report the news here.We never said Billy was drunk!!! We reported that he was arrested for being dui.The photo is a picture of a car it was reported he hit while doing stunts on his motorcycle.As a matter of fact, we went out of our way to say REPORTED, because we recieved no proof that he actually hit that car.The photo was sent to us.
Why don’t you join the family jewels and hear what Eddie Trotta had to say about Billy.As a matter of fact, why don’t you listen to what all six builders we interviewed had to say about Billy.It’s all there if you have $12.There are over 10 hours of podcast interviews to listen to so far.
We take great pains to be objective about what we report.When we have an opinion we present it, just like you have done.That’s what this website is all about.Over 40,000 people a month come here to visit so, we must be doing something right.
Thanks for the information.
Beach
[...] http://www.thebeachcruiser.com/blog/2006/09/05/billy-lane-accident-clarification.html [...]
I see ol Billy finally tried hard enough to be a “real”
biker..what a joke..all these Hollywood bike builder jerks runnin’ around ranting about how they are “real” bikers and everybody else are just a bunch of “posers” as they call them..that “big”Chris Conlon
jackass loves to rant about how him and his “crew” as he calls them are just the only “real” bikers around blah,blah..the v-twin scene these days is dispicable
all these ego maniacs runnin around with their petty jealous crap like a bunch of catty bitches.Most of the companies I deal with these days are just ripoff artists looking to capitalize on a quick buck..you call these dudes on the phone and they don’t even know what you’re talking about when you ask em a question..example..What kind of hardware come with those pipes? answer-I don’t know.Back to Billy..If Bill wants to go out getting plastered and driving around and trying too hard to be a “real biker” then he
needs to be a man and do the freaking time when he screws up and kills somebody.My last rant..”Real Bikers” don’t run around calling themselves “Real Bikers” they just are!! Later assholes..DannyMac
I will start of by saying I do not in any way condone the actions of Mr Lane. However it seems many of you have never made a mistake, never had poor judgment of any kind, perfect it seems. I see everyone throwing stones and its easy to do when you look back on the accident, but I have little doubt that Mr Lane also regrets that accident and would do things different given the opportunity. I have met Mr Lane and even corrosponded with him since this accident. I have been in the motorcycle industry for a number of years and first off I want to say to the person who made the comment that Billy Lane was trying to be a real bike builder and followed by calling him a hollywood builder, what have you ever done? can you even build a bicycle? thats what I thought your just another jealous wannabe nobody who wishes he had the IQ to wipe his own ass without the assistance of another. Mr Lane is a friendly, thoughtfull person who has given his time to raise money for countless charities, but you never hear about those things. He has done much for others. He made a mistake and we all have, not always one who causes a loss of life but mistakes non the less. I prayers go out to the family who lost a loved one and my prayers go out to Mr Lane as well as all of the two faced assholes who would love to see him pay dearly but to destroy another life wont bring back the dead and it is important to remember this was an accident not a murder.
Hey Chop,
Thank you for writing,
There are more people by my count, many more who agree with you.This is not however, about whether Mr. Lane is a skilled builder, an innovator, a motorcycle icon. It is not about whether Mr. Lane is a charitable person. We just got back from Sturgess and we attended The Biker’s Breakfast. It was a great event for a great cause. Billy Lane started it and even in these awful times showed up and handled himself with honor. We respect all of these things. He did Blood Sweat and Gears and donated several motorcycles to American Heroes. This was another classy thing to do.We cannot say that we know Mr. Lane well. We do not!! We have followed his career because we have great passion for motorcycles and the people who we admire and respect. We believe that biker’s are the best people in the world.
The question here is what do you do about Billy Lane?Different people have different opinions and we get as many as we can. We have a section called The Family Jewels where we have interviewed more than 20 of Billy’s peers. We asked each of them how they felt and every one was kind enough to answer.It costs $12 a year to be a member but because of things like this and all the great stuff we post there we feel it is a steal.You can go there, join, and listen to what each person has said.
We know that Billy Lane was driving the truck that struck and killed Gerald Morelock. We know that Mr. Lane was driving on what should have been a suspended license but because of the negligence of the state of North Carolina Florida did not know of the suspension. This is why he was not charged with that.We really don’t know if Mr. Lane was legally drunk as his attorney’s are now challenging the blood evidence that says he was 1.9 or more than twice the legal limit.It has been reported that Billy crossed a double yellow line and was trying to pass two or more vehicles when he struck Gerald Morelock. It is reported that there were several eye witnesses. We don’t know who they are or what their credibility is. That is what trials are for.It has been reported that Mr. Lane”reeked” of alcohol by at least one of the E.M.T.’s who responded to the accident.It is reported that the blood test was taken by force in the hospital Mr. Lane was taken to. We do not know absolutely if any or all of this is fact. This is what trials are for. It is our understanding that in Florida, if one is involved in a fatal accident the authorities have the legal right to take the test no matter the desire of the participant.That’s what we know at this time.
The court has postponed the trial until January. The defence says they will challenge the blood evidence.
We do NOT feel that Billy Lane is an evil person. We acknowledge all the good things he has done. We agree that he would do anything to change what happened.We agree that he has suffered a lot.We do NOT want to see his life destroyed. We do NOT think destroying Billy Lane will benefit anyone.
We have one question for you Chop. What should happen to Mr. Lane? What would happen if it was you, or me?
Beach
beachcruiser, my hat is off to you. That says it all!
Hey Chop,
Thank you!! It means a lot coming from you. You are a true brother!!
Beach
i think all you people that are talkin shit about billy should go fuck your self!!! yes it is sad ,but it happens to the best! an if it was someone in your family or one of your friends you would be singing a different tune!!! so just prey for both parties !! cuzz they could use it