Authorities have identified the man who was killed in a motorcycle crash Sunday evening on the city's west side.
Justin G. Capparuccini, 30, hit a 2007 Toyota Corolla on Clime Road, between Demorest Road and McCarley Drive.
Capparuccini was thrown from the motorcycle into the westbound lane of Clime Road and struck by a Ford Escape.
Witnesses said that they spotted the motorcycle driver speeding, and the driver did not try to stop before he collided with an SUV.
Pastor Ronald Elie said that he witnessed the crash.
“It happened so quick, the motorcycle disappeared,” Elie said. “I’m guessing he was going 80 miles per hour, maybe faster.”
Elie said that he saw two men on motorcycles pass him on Clime Road just before the crash. He said that he remembered seeing the traffic light ahead was red and had a feeling that something bad was about to happen.
“I said, ‘Where on earth is he going to go?’ Because I didn’t see him slow down,” Elie said.
Capparuccini's sister said she is hurt because another biker, who a witness put with Justin before the crash, never bothered to stop and help her dying brother.
"If those were his friends why did they leave him? That's all I want to know, how could you leave somebody like that? It just don't make sense" said Macy Zehendner.
Police are trying to determine if alcohol or drugs were involved.
Court records show Capparuccini did have an outstanding warrant for driving while under suspension.
After the crash, Elie said he came to the need to the two drivers, who he said were stricken with grief.
“I said, ‘It wasn’t your fault. I’m a pastor. It wasn’t your fault,’” Elie said.
This is the 41st traffic fatality in Columbus this year.
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