Motorcyclist Killed in Collision on Stagecoach Road

CHP says biker crossed the lane line and struck a car; Santa Barbara motorist and passengers unhurt

By William M. Macfadyen, Noozhawk Publisher | Published on 07.04.2009

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A motorcyclist was killed on Stagecoach Road on Saturday afternoon after the driver drifted into the opposing traffic lane and struck a vehicle, the California Highway Patrol reported.

Jody Powell, 46, of Newbury Park, and a companion were riding motorcycles at approximately 30-40 mph, eastbound on Stagecoach, a little more than a mile east of Paradise Road, CHP Sgt. Deanna Brummett said. Powell accelerated to an undetermined speed and passed his friend on a curve, the motorcycle crossed the painted double yellow lines and drove into the path of a BMW 740, Brummett said. Although the car was traveling at just 10-15 mph, she said the driver, Louis McFadden, 72, of Santa Barbara, was unable to avoid the collision.

Powell was thrown from the 1999 Yamaha motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene by Santa Barbara County firefighters. McFadden and his three passengers were uninjured.

According to Brummett, Powell’s friend told officers they had just left Paradise Store, where he said they each drank a couple of beers. Investigating officers discovered two unopened cans of beer in Powell’s backpack. The investigation is continuing.

— Noozhawk publisher Bill Macfadyen can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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» goletasgloria on 07.05.09 @ 06:32 AM

No kidding, Bel Air High.
Through no fault of his own, the mature vehicle driver has to live with this the rest of his life…because of bad judgment on the part of the motorcycle driver.

Why the need to pass a friend over a double yellow line??


» Bel Air High. on 07.05.09 @ 07:20 AM

I feel most for the car driver who will probably have a lurid visual for life. Motorcycle riders are naturally at much higher risk, add booze and it’s just sad. But we see this growing motorcycle enthusiasm all around to the discomfort of those who are not enthused.


» Bladedog on 07.06.09 @ 06:12 AM

No doubt the motorcycle rider took an unwise risk and it cost him his life, not to mention the anguish of not only the mature driver, but the rider’s own family. And, agreed, drinking ANYTHING and riding do not mix.

But Bel Air, c’mon. “We see this growing motorcycle enthusiasm all around to the discomfort of those who are not enthused.”  The man didn’t die beacuse he was riding a motorcycle.  He died because he made a stupid mistake on a dangerous road.  He could have been on a bicycle, a skateboard, or another car.  If we outlaw motorcycles, would that relieve your “discomfort”?


» Former Barbarian on 07.06.09 @ 09:13 AM

There is on unshakable commandment for motorcyclists: no alcohol until the bike is put up for the day. Anyone who ignores this commandment harvests the bitter fruit of a stupid, thoughtless decision, and the real tragedy is the involvement of innocent people like Mr. McFadden.


» Bel Air High on 07.06.09 @ 03:29 PM

Yes. I notice there’s a big lawlessness problem down in the Modoc Las Positas area.  When you can hear the same motorcycle all the way on the freeway between La Cumbre to Mission you know you have some seriously self centered types.  It’s as if these motorcyclists think they’re in a bubble and have little regard for anyone else that may be living in the area.  All weekend long and weeknights there is quite a bit of full throttle stunt activity.  Downtown has gotten really bad as this culture of motorcyclists act as if they have been brought up by thugs by revving up of engines often in a group and really creating a lot of pollution.  Clearly an increasing number of motorcyclists (any alcohol and drugs aside) have a certain aloof mentality and don’t seem to care about the discomfort of noise and air pollution to others.


» grass on 07.08.09 @ 09:21 PM

i dont believe the report is accurate. If I hit this car coming out of the curve, my body would fly over the car to the left, instead the bike and person ended up on the right side of their lane.


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