Cal State Northridge Alum Honored After Motorcycle Accident Cost him his Life
Posted on June 3, 2013 Written By: iadminlaw
Jesse Wilkes, a California State University at Northridge alumnus, died in a motorcycle accident on April 27. He was 27-years-old at the time of his death. He had recently graduated, in 2012 after the spring semester, with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts in the multimedia option that Northridge offers students.
“Jesse lived and loved life like very few people I’ve known,” said Mary Schaffer, head of the multimedia option in the CTVA department. “He’d always say he was proud to be a CSUN student, proud to be a marine, proud to be a son, proud to be a friend. He always had time for other people. It was never about Jesse for him, it was always about other people.”
Wilkes was a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and was sent overseas to serve two tours in Afghanistan. His most recent tour was in 2009.
Upon returning, Wilkes was very active in the CSUN and valley community. Not only was he looked to as a role model in the multimedia option, but he was also a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
Some of Wilkes’ pledge brothers, who are now a part of the Omega Phi Fraternity, said it was difficult to find a friendlier person than Wilkes.
“As intimidating as he looks, you would have difficulties finding anyone with a bigger heart,” they wrote on the Omega Phi Facebook page. “He has shown friendship and compassion to everyone that he has been in contact with and would not think twice about helping someone that is down.”
The CSUN colony of Phi Delta Theta held a memorial on a Saturday in May to commemorate the life of Wilkes. In addition to the fraternity, Wilkes was a member of Silent Natives, a motorcycle riding club at the institution. They held a silent vigil for him on May 1 at the intersection that the accident occurred at.
Apparently, Wilkes position in the group was to make sure that everyone’s safety was covered. Members praised his riding skills and safe demeanor out on the road.
The accident occurred at an intersection that had no traffic turn signal. A driver in a Honda Civic made a left-hand turn from Winnetka onto Devonshire, and Wilkes, traveling on Devonshire, hit the vehicle.
The accident has prompted Los Angeles City Council members to try to install traffic signals in the area.
Further information has not been provided about the accident and the efforts that are being taken to make certain that the area is safe for all types of drivers and riders are ongoing.
Wilkes was buried in a military funeral on May 4 at Oakwood Memorial Park.
Have you or someone you love been involved in an accident? Please contact a personal injury lawyer at Accident Attorney’s Group. Northridge accident attorneys are well-versed in the streets, hazards and issues with insurance in the valley area of Southern California. The lawyers at Northridge’s Accident Attorney’s Group will evaluate your case for free!
