On August 27 at 11:00 a.m., a tragic trucking accident resulted in the death of Breann Creer, a 4-year-old child, in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Reportedly, Breann was riding on the back of a motorcycle that authorities believe was being driven Eric Henderson, her mother’s boyfriend, after being picked up from school.
Investigators stated that both the semi and the motorcycle were traveling east on 6th Street and the accident occurred when the semi attempted to make a U-turn and the motorcycle collided with the truck. Witnesses stated that the semi backed over the child’s body and dragged the motorcycle until witnesses flagged him down. One witness, Cheri Slocumb, stated, “I think he had no idea that he hit the motorcycle. We ran in front of the big rig. We stopped the big rig from going.”
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Cpl. Randy Naquin stated, “At this point, from what I can tell on the street, it doesn’t appear to be any type of illegal maneuver. However, the major accident investigation team is going to determine the exact cause.” According to a family friend, however, the driver of the motorcycle claimed the semi driver was at fault for the accident because he allegedly failed to signal and then made a U-turn in front of the motorcycle.
According to police, it is legal for a child to ride on a motorcycle as long as their feet can reach the bike’s passenger pegs and they are wearing a helmet. Breann’s father, Thomas Creer, says he doesn’t blame Henderson, who took many precautions to keep Breann safe on the motorcycle, and believes the semi driver was negligent. Both Creer and Henderson were Marines.
Breann was pronounced dead at the scene and Henderson was transported to a hospital with moderate injuries. The family has not made any statement regarding whether or not they will take legal action against the semi driver or trucking company for the trucking accident.
