Motorcyclist Killed On Arnaz Grade
Report and photo by Scott Wintermute
Tragedy struck, as it has so many times, on Arnaz Grade when a flat black BMW F-Series motorcycle collided with a Chevrolet Equinox minivan head-on Monday afternoon, killing an Ojai resident identified as Jerry Myers, 50. The driver and lone occupant of the minivan, Blanca Rosa Garcia Ortiz, 48, also of Ojai, escaped serious injury as an array of air bags deployed in the family vehicle.
The accident occurred shortly after 3 p.m., about a quarter-mile past where the grade begins to angle up toward Oak View before Creek Road. Traffic was interrupted until about 4:30 p.m.
One motorist, who was behind the minivan and declined to be identified, had this to say: “She (Ortiz) was completely legal. All of a sudden I just saw brake lights and an explosion, he (Myers) must have been trying to pass or something.”
Early speculation has revolved around a bee sting, 10 minutes before the accident. People close to Myers said that he was rushing to the hospital in fear of his life as his body succumbed to anaphylaxis. When asked about the presence of a bee sting on Myers, Ventura County Medical Examiner Investigator Michael Tellez stated, “We believe that it happened, his friend said he pulled out the stinger,” but “there was no evidence that the airway was compromised to indicate he was in anaphylactic shock.” The official cause of death listed in the incident is multiple blunt force injuries caused by an accident. Myers was wearing a helmet and other protective equipment.
By: KVTA News
2010-07-26
The California Highway Patrol says an Ojai Valley man is dead following a motorcycle crash on Highway 33 Monday afternoon. It happened around 3 PM on the highway just south of Oak View. CHP Officer Steven Reid tells KVTA News that the motorcyclist, identified by the Coroner’s Office as 50-year-old Jerry Alan Myers of Ojai, was traveling northbound on the 33 on his BMW motorcycle when for some unknown reason he drifted into the southbound lane and collided almost head on with an SUV driven by 48-year-old Blanca Rosa Garcia Ortiz of Ojai. The motorcyclist, Myers, who was wearing a helmet, was ejected and landed on the pavement. A CHP officer and others tried to revive him, but Myers was pronounced dead at the scene. Ortiz was not seriously hurt and was treated and released at the scene. Reid says they are still investigating the incident and he did not know if speed or alcohol was a factor. The collision tied up traffic on the busy highway for a good portion of the afternoon commute but it was all cleared up by 4:30 PM.
f
26 Jul 10 at 8:47 pm
Thoughts & Prayers to all involved.. So sad if the rider was in a hurry.. Never pass unless you are on a straight away and it is clear beyond as far as you can see, and the Grade is hardly ever clear..
Anon
26 Jul 10 at 9:01 pm
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Myers. Losing someone can be so difficult, but even more difficult when the loss happens so unexpectedly. Be strong and know so many will be there to love and support you during these difficult times.
Christine
26 Jul 10 at 9:49 pm
speed was not a factor niether was alcohol. the man was allergic to bees and was stung. he was on his way back to the hospital for treatment. so if you dont know the facts do not assume them yourself. you make an ass out of u and me. just say something nice and dont try to justify a horrible thing by assuming he was speeding or drunk. even if he was no one deserves to die in such a way. do not direspect him or his family by shouting out assumptions that you know nothing about.
Shadd Sica
26 Jul 10 at 11:25 pm
Thank you Shadd Sica,
The problem is that he really needed to been driven there.Sad that he would have beed charged 800 to 2500 dollars for the ambulance if he took this choice. I would like to know since we have a citizen patrol now that they could have been or be used to transport someone for such medical aid. Since so many people are so concerned about the health care bill, will people like Mr. Myers be subject to more regulations? But even sader people are more concerened if the POT will be legalized. Most people don’t realise that if the fire department was notified, and since he was not bleeding/ before the accedent, he would have to pay for the trip. If he was bleeding, then they would force him to go to the hospital via ambulance and he wouldn’t be responsible for paying for the trip.
This is really sad, you can be in a accedent with a non life threatening cut, but a bee sting which is forces you to make such a gamble. Thank God his crash didn’t injure or kill someone else, but this is something that needs to be thought of. My heart goes out to Mr. Myers family.
Gentalman Redneck
27 Jul 10 at 7:05 am
Wow, people need to not assume for this accident was an accident that took a man’s life becasue of a simple bee sting. It disgusts me that people assume that alcohol or driving irratically is the cause. Get the facts before you assume. Our hearts go out to the Meyer’s family as they are close friends of ours. This is a sad time for them and a lot of others in Ojai who knew Jerry well.
concerned
27 Jul 10 at 10:18 am
No matter how it happened it was a very sad situation. I was 4 cars behind the accident and watched as police and fire trucks pulled up and saw the whole thing. I found myself crying in my seat and not even knowing who it is. But my heart does go out to the family!
girl1x0x0
27 Jul 10 at 10:58 am
I believe people should keep there mouth shut until ALL information is out before voiceing what they think. If not for the truth but for the respect of the family who just lost a loved one how would you feel if it was your family… My thoughts and prayers are with the Meyers..
sub
27 Jul 10 at 11:15 am
What sadness for such a great family. We should be keeping them all in our hearts and prayers.
anon
27 Jul 10 at 11:43 am
Jerry was a really good guy…Intelligent, caring and funny. This is such a tragedy, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I will miss the interesting and insightful conversations we had on occasion, and his willingness to play devils advocate in order to help people see the positive side of everyone and everything. Jerry, you will never be forgotten…
Romy
27 Jul 10 at 12:22 pm
@Shadd Sica: I do not see where anyone said he was speeding nor did anyone say he was drunk!!! It is just sad that Mr. Myers didn’t have an EPI-PEN.. He could have shot himself and waited for a fire truck or police.. My Thoughts and Prayers are with his whole family..
DOROTHY
27 Jul 10 at 1:12 pm
Romy, well said. Jerry was a great friend to anyone that was fortunate enough to know him. He was tremendously talented and he was very generous with his time, energy, and skills.
Eric
27 Jul 10 at 1:17 pm
We will miss Jerry and all he gave of himself to so many people.I am fortunate to have had him as my dear friend, and all he had taught me. He was always there when needed.Sulphur Mountain will never be the same, our home and the track (his therapy)will continue with his spirit.I am going now to do a few hot laps with my friend Jerry.We love you Jerry, Jeff and Beckaa Bradford
Jeff and Beckaa
27 Jul 10 at 2:36 pm
RIP Jerry, gonna miss you.
Pablo
27 Jul 10 at 2:54 pm
I knew Jerry as a friend of Tony and Donald up in Yuba City. He was an outstanding guy and his glass was always half full. Always willing to give someone a hand and make em laugh with some quick witted humor. He will be missed. No matter how it happened it is tragic, and I don’t think Jerry would want anyone argue about it.
Rick
27 Jul 10 at 3:13 pm
So sorry to here the tragic news for the Myers family. My heart is with you and may GOD hold you close.
RIP
27 Jul 10 at 5:10 pm
To all above. Is it really necessary to post rude remarks about a life we have lost? Jerry was a husband a father a son a son-in-law a neighbor and a friend to many of us here in Ojai. Blanca is a wonderful person as well and may God let the healing begin. The CHP officer who has sworn to serve and protect us and put his life on the line every day was doing all that he could. I only speak as someone who was close to Jerry, married to an officer and knew Blanca as well. This was a tragic accident that did occur and all we can do now as a community is pray for all involved.
MissOjai
27 Jul 10 at 5:29 pm
Jerry was my nieghbor he lived across the street as i grew up jerry was always there for me, he was the best guy to have as a friend , he will be greatly missed , i have manny fond memories,Jeff.
jeff
27 Jul 10 at 5:37 pm
To All that Came To Know The Man,
This is the series of events AS IT WAS. I was riding with Jerry minutes before the legend was lost.Jerry and I were on our way to Oxnard to make a dr. appointment I was scheduled for. We were then going to The Jim Hall Kart Racing School to burn a few hot laps. As we rode down Creek rd Jerry was behind me,riding his ‘own ride’ as no expectations of ‘keeping up or holding others back’ is tolerated in our close group of riders.We stopped at the intersection of Creek rd and 33. Jerry pulled up along side asked”Did I get the stinger out”? He had not on first try. With the second try it was gone. I asked if he was O K?He said “allergic” and I asked if he needed a benadryl .He indicated no. We rolled on down,through Casitas Springs around edison curve and as we started to accelerate he came up into my left mirror, this is our indicator to POW-WOW. We rolled down the offramp, stopped and he gave me the turn around hand signal.I asked how ya doin? He said” Going to the Hospital.” dropped his visor and turned left. I proceeded on to Oxnard. Those that know, to turn him around from going racing…..It aint gonna happen. I have been his friend,student,compadre and appreciative recipient of his tireless devotion and selfless concern for others. He lived as so many should.BY THE GOLDEN RULE. I am a very grateful and much better person by his friendship. From the sandbox to his end,no better friend could be had by anyone. Peace be with you till I see you again my Friend. GC
ThrillbillieGreg
27 Jul 10 at 7:20 pm
Jerry was a close friend of mine for years. He was always the first to lend me a hand when I was In need. For him to have been taken so fast, has struck everyone. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
I sure hope there’s a race track in heaven, none of us want Jerry to get bored.
Marty
27 Jul 10 at 9:46 pm
Dear Heidi, Casey and Taylor and to all Jerry’s family:
I did not have the good fortune to meet Jerry, and I will always regret this. From what I’ve learned from others, he was a unique and extraordinary man, who lived his life honestly and honorably. I’m not surprised because his children are amazing and caring people who I’ve been blessed to know and include in my family. His legacy remains in you all, who carry the best of him within you always. His light remains, of this I’m certain, and I only wish I could take away your pain.
I grieve with you and pray that through your sadness, Jerry will inspire you and comfort you through the journey forward. Many, many prayers and blessings for you all.
Oceans of love, Cally
cally houck
28 Jul 10 at 8:44 am
After all of the deaths that have occurred at this intersection you’d think something could be done to prevent any others. Please, someone persuade the County before another person gets hurt or killed.
My condolences to the family…RIP Mr. Myers
JL
28 Jul 10 at 8:51 am
Well said and classy cally…
Ojai Man
28 Jul 10 at 9:08 am
I knew Jerry for years; he was a neighbor to my granparents for as long as I can remember. He was always there to lend my grandfather a helping hand, and now with my grandfather in the hospital; he had been there for my grandmother helping any way he could. Thank you for all the help and you will be truely missed!
Michelle
28 Jul 10 at 9:26 am
Well said Greg C. Jerry was a nice guy and I am happy to have spent time with him in Cayucos last fall, after not seeing him for many years. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to his surviving family and friends.
dmchappell
28 Jul 10 at 9:35 am
“When you were born you cried but the world rejoiced.
Now go. Live your life honoring our ways.
And when you are reborn to the Great Spirit, the world will cry and you will rejoice.”
Native American Ceremonial Prayer
whatever
28 Jul 10 at 9:40 am
Dear Meyers Family,
My heart goes out to you all. I have a few fond and funny memories of Jerry that I will hold close to my heart. I love you dearly Casey and Sandy your both are so special to me and I wish I some way to ease this pain for you both.
Love Tracy Brannan
Tracy Brannan
28 Jul 10 at 11:15 am
jerry was an awesome neighbor. he and my daughter morgan had just recently established the “neighbor jerry” relationship. he was always willing to help us with anything and everything. he most certainly had a heart for those he loved and cared for. as a matter of fact, he was willing to lend a helping hand even if he didn’t know the person. this neighborhood isn’t going to be the same without him. there is a silence that has moved into his space of tinkering that has been really hard to adjust to. i suppose through time, as with everything, we’ll get used to it. anyways, i’m rambleing (he’d probably appreciate that). my most heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family. and jerry, i promise to keep the leaves picked up in front of our house
Milly Holland
28 Jul 10 at 2:54 pm
I’ve known Heidi since grammar school and Jerry just about that long. We all lived up in the same neighborhood growing up. Jerry was a great guy and helped me many of times. I am sending out lots of love to Heidi and the kids and to all that knew and loved him. This is certainly a sad time.
Donna Lloyd
28 Jul 10 at 4:01 pm
rest in peace, although i might not know you to well. hope the best for you up there. (deleted) everyone else with rude comments. no room to talk at all. hope the best for the casey and taylor. once again RIP
Anonymous
28 Jul 10 at 5:37 pm
Don, Ann, and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thought and prayers.
Lorel Childress
28 Jul 10 at 8:41 pm
i have known Jerry since i was very little and when ever he came to my dads i would always learn something knew when i needed to get away from my dads i would go over to his house and we would work on something grind ,weld,drill,buff,bend almost anything he was a very nice guy he almost allays was had a smile on his face he loved tractors ,motor cycles, aver thing that had motors on it he loved fixing stuff so he loved anything fun.
colin culbert
28 Jul 10 at 9:12 pm
Gentalman Redneck: your stupidity is showing!! Plus your poor spelling!!
True Guy
29 Jul 10 at 12:41 am
Sorry for your loss Myers fam. Known Jerry since i was youngster the man was a walking encyclopedia. Was always their to help out anyway he could. Lots of great memories…RIP Jerry
shad murphy
29 Jul 10 at 4:42 am
Dear Heidi, Taylor and Casey
My heart goes out to you all. Be open to the pain of your broken hearts. God, and caring people, will enter through this brokenness. John and I are so very sorry for this tragic loss.
Love, Debbie
Debbie Turnbull (Armstrong)
29 Jul 10 at 2:45 pm
As a wise old friend once said to me, “Do not fear life…live it to the fullest…care for others as you would love to be cared for in return…and do not fear death…for your reward in death is how people speak of you when you are gone”…Jerry Myers, your life with us gave us laughter, hope, positive directions and you were a true peacemaker…We celebrate your passing because of all that you have shared with those you loved…you will forever be spoken of as a loving friend and comrade! Beckaa
Jeff and Beckaa
29 Jul 10 at 3:53 pm
on behalf of me and my family, we appreciate all the great stories and kind words. it has been really helpful to us. your stories and feelings help us realize how amazing and special my dad really was. please do not hesitate to say what you feel and continue to share some of the many many great stories. it’s a much different kind of tear when there’s a smile on your face! thank you all
Casey Myers
29 Jul 10 at 4:48 pm
Jerry was one of the most genuine, sincere, gracious people I have met. Great man and awesome family! My heart and prayers go out to Heidi, Casey, Taylor… and the Hilgers family.
Margaret Gabriel Black
29 Jul 10 at 5:25 pm
Casey,
I have you in my thoughts. I didn’t know your Dad but it just broke my heart for you and your family. I miss you being around and if I can do anything I’m here. You should be proud that your Dad was so well admired. Prayers to you and your family.
Shea
Shea Howe
29 Jul 10 at 5:40 pm
I’ve known Jerry my entire life. Jerry knew how to fix anything and everything. I’ve never known such a kind and generous person. He was always the type to lend a hand to anyone in need. Even if he didn’t know ya, he’d do anything he could for you.
I remember being a little kid and he let me ride his zappy. I crashed pretty hard but he made me get up and ride it home, laughing the whole time. He taught me how to ride a quad and I felt like the coolest 10 year old ever riding around the company yard.
Many of my favorite childhood memories envolve Jerry in one way or another. My heart goes out to Heidi, Casey and Taylor. Your husband and father was a great man.
Corey Hawkins
29 Jul 10 at 7:59 pm
Jerry was one of the nicest guys one could ever have hoped to meet. We, as well as many others (as is evident by those who have written beforehand) feel so fortunate to have had him as our friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to his entire family at this very difficult time.
Diane & Bill Shirley
29 Jul 10 at 9:30 pm
My dear friend Jerry,
I feel very fortunate to call you my friend. You always showed up when needed. You will be sorely missed. So Godspeed on your final journey home. Just rest & enjoy all the sights on this new adventure. I will miss your presence but I’ll be seeing you soon enough. Don’t worry, just get that well deserved rest. We will ALL watch over your family. If they need anything, we will be there just like you were for us. So rest my friend and we’ll talk at a later date. Goodbye for now. Your friend, Bill
Diane & Bill Shirley
29 Jul 10 at 11:05 pm
Heidi I am so sorry for your loss…
I have know Jerry since before when and was dating Heidi, who was my besty in high school. What a wild and crazy guy. We saw him not too long ago on one of our Ojai trips and he was the same old Jerry and I amd so glad we were able to catch up.
My heartfelt sypathy to the Myers and Hilgers family’s during this difficult time. My thought and prayers are with you
Tracy & Farley Adams
30 Jul 10 at 7:43 am
One could only dream of ever having so many friends and hearts my brother touched, our lives will be forever changed, but we are all blessed for the knowledge and kindness my brother left in all of us, a son, husband, father, BROTHER and uncle. All of whom knew my brother knew he was never good about the TIME thing, never was good at that, if you said you needed help with something he said he would be right there, he would, but, in JERRY’S world it would always be about 5 hours later, he’s in heaven now making some kind of tool to work on a broken tractor or a busted motorcycle, but this GARAGE IS ORGANIZED! hes happy and smiling from ear to ear, because thats what he did.I will miss my brother so much and so will all.
Sandy Myers Helm
30 Jul 10 at 8:24 am
“And in the end it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years.”
—Abraham Lincoln
It would be difficult to get more out of life than Jerry did. His dynamic personality, wisdom and kindness impacted the lives of the many fortunate to know him. He was a mentor to countless people; he unselfishly gave his time helping whoever was in need, a man not afraid of challenge or adventure with a never ending quest for knowledge. Jerry will always live on in the memories of the incredible adventures we shared together.
Heidi, Casey and Taylor I share your loss and offer my deepest sympathy.
Life is a dream, have no regrets….rest well my dear friend. I will miss you until we meet again.
John Brooks
30 Jul 10 at 12:49 pm
Heidi, Casey, and Taylor,
My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you during this difficult time. I was in Colorado when I heard the news and have been thinking of all the wonderful memories I’ve shared with your family over the years that will be cherished for a lifetime! Jerry was like an uncle to me growing up and I’ll never forget him. May the good memories carry you through this time of sadness.
Love,
Lauren Wyatt
Lauren Wyatt
30 Jul 10 at 3:06 pm
Jerry,
You were such a big part of our lives here on Sulphur Mountain. I will never forget the lost hours you and Jeff spent on inventions, brainstorming ideas and fixing all the quads and motorcycles in our back yard!
Now that Jeff can’t call you for your help on an urgent problem, what do I do?
Can you somehow send me a sign to help Jeff? He is so lost without you. He paces the studio and can’t seem to finish anything right now.
You were his great pal…any suggestions?…Let me know…Jeff misses you so much! I do,too!
We will continue to love and support Heidi, Casey and Taylor and the rest of your loved ones. They are family to us and we will be here for them for the long haul! Love, Beckaa
Jeff and Beckaa
30 Jul 10 at 4:52 pm
I had the good fortune of knowing Jerry more than 40 years. He was one of the first kids that befriended me when I moved to Ojai in 1967. Even though Jerry and I didn’t always hang out together over the years we always seemed to pick up where we left off when our paths crossed again. I can honestly say that my life has been better for the simple reason of knowing Jerry. More times than not Jerry had an answer to one of my problems, whether it was mechanical, social or psychological. He always seemed to have the answer and was ALWAYS verify confident as to the validity of his opinion. He was a very hard guy to argue with. Having a disagreement with Jerry was like showing up unarmed for a battle of wits!
To me the most enduring quality he had was his relentless pursuit of fun. To Jerry fun might involve redesigning an obscure piece of equipment so that it worked the way he expected or more mainstream concepts such thrashing on anything with a throttle and spending time with his friends and family. It was always a bonus if he could wrap a motorsport around time with his friends and family. Somehow he seemed able to pull this off.
Heidi, Casey, & Taylor, I cannot imagine what it must have been like to live with a guy with so many interests and toys. Please know that I share your grief, and please know that I am also saddened that I won’t get to see his next great invention or his latest trick. I can only guess what he and Tucker might be up to now.
Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time but please take comfort in knowing that Jerry was a fine man and was deservingly loved by all that knew him. We will miss his mischievous smile!
Eric & Shana Stalnaker
Eric Stalnaker
30 Jul 10 at 7:27 pm
Jerry was a good friend of mine in elementary school. We spent many hours over at his house playing games or riding bikes. We lost touch after I moved away. From reading these comments I would have enjoyed knowing him as an adult. Condolences to his family and friends!
Rob Bremmer
30 Jul 10 at 10:17 pm
Heidi,Casey,Taylor,Don,Ann and Sandy
My family and I cannot express the sorrow we feel for the loss of your father, husband, brother, son and friend to many. When we were younger Jerry and I spent a lot of time together learning different things about life and how to live it. Jerry seemed to learn his lessons well!
Unfortunatly our lives drifted apart as the years have gone bye, but you were the best man at my wedding and you are still the best man in my LIFE. Thank you Jerry for being such a great friend.
We will miss you dearly.
Myers family please know we feel your loss and our heart and prayers are with you.
Tim Holder
30 Jul 10 at 10:56 pm
as a personal friend of the myers, my heart goes out to the family. they are really great people. Jerry was a wonderful guy. God bless.
Judy W
j whittington
31 Jul 10 at 6:43 pm
Have you seen what I did with that 5/16 box end ratcheting wrench? It was right here………..must be with my lighter.Now have you seen my welding gloves?Must be with my glasses.Would you like a cup of coffee? Ahhh let’ s goto MB2 instead.No you haven’t been to Jim Hall’s new track yet have you……?
why work when we can go racing…….2 10ths of a second off J B’s time again! damn they close in 45 minutes. That leaves 15 minutes to race! let’s do IT.
I’ll miss him talking me off the ledge.
ThrillbillieGreg
1 Aug 10 at 3:18 am
To everyone in the Meyers family we send our thoughts and prayers. Jerry always made you feel like it was only days not months since you had last seen him. Always the first to take the time and catch up, and reminisce of times gone by and days spent fabricating car parts in the garage so we wouldn’t have to go and buy them.
His spirit and kindness will always remain with those of us lucky enough to have known him.
David and Diana Wyatt
David and Diana Wyatt
1 Aug 10 at 4:11 pm
why didnt he just go to the emergency room at CM in ventura??
anon
1 Aug 10 at 8:28 pm
Sandy and family,
I was so shocked by the news of your loss. Please know I am thinking of you all at this time. I did not know Jerry. From what I read here, that seems to be my loss. My heart goes out to you all.
Jean Robinson
Jean Robinson
2 Aug 10 at 1:48 pm
The oak view fire station, and the cmh center were less than 2 miles from where we parted.Think about what, where, and how. I’ve heard there are no stupid questions,but the hollow head that asks them is another story. Get a grip, tighten you lip.
Have you ever tried to get to either hospital without a siren and red lights.? (deleted) morons all to Hell. He was the MAN!
ThrillbillieGreg
2 Aug 10 at 4:00 pm
If it is true that you can measure a man by his friends, then this world has lost a truly great man.
To all of you whose hearts are broken, may your mutual love for Jerry hold you up and pull you through.
Laura
2 Aug 10 at 4:35 pm
I was one of the first on the scene, I am SO SORRY for your loss, I felt really bad for all involved.
Janice
2 Aug 10 at 8:28 pm
In the early 1970′s I was Jerry’s teacher at Matilija Middle school. From all the postings it sounds like he was sunshine in everyone’s life. I wish I had gotten to know him as an adult but since he was a really great kid I shouldn’t be surprised how well loved he is. My prayers go to his family and friends who will miss his physical presence in their lives.It sounds like his life was well lived and shared–I am glad I was a small part of it. God Bless all of you with peace.
Deanne Saab
4 Aug 10 at 5:17 pm
I will always have the memories of our camping and riding in the desert, the fun times we had. Many a night we solved the worlds problems at the campfire.
You were an usher at my wedding and a good friend for many years. See you on the big trail ride in the sky.
Kevin Waitess
Kevin Waites
6 Aug 10 at 9:52 am