Motorcyclist killed in crash with speeding car that ran red light was Fort Bliss soldier
UPDATE: U.S. Army officials say a motorcyclist killed in an El Paso traffic crash earlier in the week was a decorated soldier at Fort Bliss who had previously deployed overseas in the war on terror.
Spc. Samuel Birmingham, a 21-year-old California native, was a unit supply specialist assigned to 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team. He was a recipient of the Army Achievement Medal.
"Samuel was a treasured member of our team, a fast riser within the ranks and destined to be a leader within our Army. Sam, was a young man full of life with many friends here in the Bandit Battalion,” said his battalion commander, Lt. Col. Salvador Zuniga.
“Our thoughts are with his Family and Friends in the time of their grief and we will do our best to honor his service and his memory in the coming days,” Zuniga said in a statement issued Saturday.
ORIGINAL REPORT: EL PASO, Texas -- A 21-year-old motorcyclist died in a crash with a speeding car that ran a red light in east El Paso late Wednesday night, police said.
Authorities on Thursday identified the victim as Samuel David Birmingham.
Investigators also indicated that they planned to file charges against the driver of the car, identified as 32–year-old Aaron Lopez. The charges were pending the release of Lopez from hospitalization for serious crash injuries.
The collision at Gateway Boulevard East at Giles Road was so severe, a police report stated, that it "caused the motorcycle to fracture into multiple pieces" as Birmingham was ejected and killed despite wearing a helmet and protective vest.
"Investigators believe the contributing factors to be Lopez failing to stop at the red light and operating the vehicle at a high rate of speed," the police incident report said.
Birmingham's death marked the 56th El Paso traffic fatality of the year, compared with 46 at this same time last year.
I’d say it’s a stupid Trumptard at fault.
No Trump supporters in that part of town. BTW – Ranting late? Insomnia? Tweaking too much meth? TDS bugging you? You’re a moron. President Trump in your head rent free 24/7…..PRICELESS!
Nah most likely a libturd aka Bidenturd. One of your “fine” people.
I’d say you are a stupid bastard, alberto.
I think that Jim Parker only lets you post to display the racism and bigotry that permeates El Paso.
Dumbass Alberto is bigotry and racism times 25. All psychos too.
You can almost bet alcohol was also involved. Sad.
Yeah, he was just a kid with his whole life ahead of him. Tragic. I feel bad for his family.
Oh this one is sad because it was a soldier? K1DPR? Why don’t you start mocking like u always do? Was he wearing a helmet? Lol. Prejudice pig.
Liberals: “Get those death machines off the streets! If one person dies on a motorcycle they should be banned forever.”
One less MAGA Motorcyclist on our streets. You wanna be next? Go Get your gat MAGA RAT
How do you know he was a Trump supporter moron? Good soldiers are apolitical and don’t suffer from identity politics like you do sick fuck.
One less at the Trump Covid19 parade today.
One less Hispanic Biden supporter too. He goes to prison after getting out of the hospital. Prisons are COVID19 hot spots. LMAO.
alberto hates the military because he got an “Other Than Honorable” discharge from the Navy for drug abuse and being a “Rump Ranger” in San Francisco bath houses in the early 70’s.