Motorcyclist on life support

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Author(s): 
DJ Becker

Man crashed on Road 24 after work

A Madera man was on life support at Community Regional Medical Center on Thursday after losing control of his motorcycle and crashing on Road 24 near Avenue 13, the California Highway Patrol said.

CHP public information officer Mark Cosentino said the driver, 54-year-old Fred Pettijohn, had just completed his shift at a nearby winery and crashed about 4:40 p.m. Wednesday.

“The investigation is in its preliminary stages but we believe it was a solo vehicle crash. He was just leaving work on his 2000 Honda Enduro motorcycle. He lost control when he attempted to enter the roadway from his parking area on the shoulder.

“His helmet was either not on, or not in proper use, and his head struck the pavement during the fall,” Cosentino said...

Comments

Ryan Pierce (not verified) | 02/25/12

This was my Uncle, hes currently still on life support, and we could use all the prayers and hope we can get. Thank you

Gayle Gangbin (not verified) | 03/03/12

Fred was one of the most helpful people at the winery and is a very dear person. My prayers are with him and his family. I use to live at the apt where he lived and got to know his youngest daughter. I thought she was wonderful and adored her dad. I will continue to pray for him, please everyone pray with us for Fred. He is a great tech and person. Thanks, Gayle

Greg Pettijohn (not verified) | 02/26/12

Was Cosentino there? Did he see the accident? Did you? Do you know Fred Pettijohn? My brother grew up on motorcycles, he didn't ride without a helmet. He was an IT tech for constellation wines of Northern California, and a damn good one. Im guessing that and all his years of experience qualifies him as being able to strap a helmet on. But hey...Its fun to speculate and get quoted in the local newspaper.

Coworker of Fred (not verified) | 02/26/12

Im praying for u Fred. You are so loved. When we got the news at work. It was a shock to everyone . So many tears. I hope u know how much you were loved. We don't know what we are going to do without you Fred.

Mandi (not verified) | 02/27/12

This is a sad day for me. Before our winery was sold, Fred was our IT tech. Fred is the proverbial good guy, always there when we needed him. He was patient with our lack of computer skills, always had a smile on his face and a sincere interest in our lives. Fred was so proud of his daughters! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Dan Ducat (not verified) | 02/27/12

My thoughts and prayers go out to Fred and his loved ones during this difficult time.

Those who knew him knew a man that had an amazing wit, positive attitude, and would truely go out of his way for others. He was taken from this world far too soon and will be deeply missed.

NY Constellatio... (not verified) | 02/27/12

I am so sorry Fred, you will be great missed at Constellation! I only met you once in person at our conference in LV but talked to you so many times. You were such a great technician and person. I'm so sorry Fred! Everyone will miss you!!!

Nathan Mino (not verified) | 02/27/12

R.I.P. my dear friend.

Jay Hamill (not verified) | 02/28/12

It was good knowing you, buddy. Too bad we didn't have more chances to meet up being on opposite sides of the country.

Holly - co-work... (not verified) | 02/28/12

Fred was an amazing person, not just at work, but in life. He was a positive person who liked to make people happy. He was genuine and caring. He left this world too soon, and probably has no idea how much people thought of him. Hopefully the words on this page can help his family know how many lives he touched. It's difficult to be at work and think of him as gone, he is missed greatly here at Constellation.

Darcy Faegre (not verified) | 02/29/12

I knew Fred for more than 10 years although sometimes our paths parted ways. I remember meeting Fred and training him on technical phone support in the bay area and how our first call together lasted something like 10 hours. We became instant friends. I had the chance to work with Fred as well as manage him and I can say without a doubt that he was one of the finest employees I ever met. Fred took pride in all of his work in a way that you don't see much in this world any more. I liked Fred so much as en employee I found him two more jobs and he was gracious enough to find me one as well. But work wasn't the only thing that Fred excelled at, he was a great person outside of work. Although Fred was relatively private about his personal life I was able to get to know him over the years. The pride he took in personal relationships, honesty, faithfulness, sincerity (to name a few) made him the rock that his friends could always lean on. He will be sorely missed by those that knew him well and those that simply knew him. My best goes out to his family and those who cared for him. Godspeed Fred.