COOPER TOWNSHIP (WKZO AM/FM) — There is now a permanent memorial to the victims of Kalamazoo’s bike tragedy.
All four survivors and the artist pulled back the tarp to reveal the structure. It was unveiled last evening on a night much like the night two years ago when Charles Picket Jr., who was high on a handful of prescription pain-killers swerved into 9-members of the Chain Gang Bike Club, killing five of them.
Survivor Jennifer Johnson read the inscription for the crowd of several hundred who turned out for the unveiling.
Survivor Paul Gobles attended last night’s memorial dedication ceremony and participated in the memorial bike ride that followed.
He was also there when it was assembled and he thought at first that it might be imposing and cold, but it’s not like that at all. He says it invites you in to read the inscriptions, get the message and reminded of the loss.
It’s within view of the spot where the deaths occurred. The second memorial ride followed the route that the victims were never able to complete two years ago.
Unlike that night when only 9 were riding, the 2nd annual Memorial Ride that followed last night had over 120.
The man responsible for the tragedy, Charles Pickett Jr. will be sentenced on Monday.
