ABC15 News has learned that a motorcyclist died a week after he was involved in an accident in Mesa.
John Hopkins, 42, died Friday, January 23 at Brighton Gardens Hospice with family by his side, according to police and family members.
On Friday, January 16 at about 3:30 p.m., a silver Toyota Corolla, occupied by three people, attempted to turn left from McKellips onto Horne as the light was yellow, according to witnesses.
The car turned right into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. Hopkins was thrown from his motorcylce during the collision and suffered multiple skull fractures and internal injuries, according to police.
The 43-year-old victim was transported to Scottsdale Healthcare where he was on life support until he died from his injuries a week later.
The front right passenger of the car, a 16-year-old girl, was also transported to Scottsdale Healthcare for a ruptured spleen. Her prognosis was good, according to police.
The 17-year-old driver of the car was transported to Banner Desert Hospital in Mesa with minor injuries. She complained of tingling in her arms, legs and back.
The other passenger, a 16-year-old girl, was not hurt.
Both vehicles experienced extensive damage during the crash.
Police said the motorcyclist and the car driver did not show any signs of drug or alcohol use.
Police said the car driver in this case will be cited with a misdemeanor charge at this time for a left hand turn violation involving serious injury or death.
Shannon Harnish, a friend of the victim, emailed ABC15 to inform us about Hopkins death, which was verified by police.
The victim's sister, Cathy Hopkins, also emailed ABC15 and informed us that her brother was the owner of
Blackmagic Motorsports in Mesa. She said her "family is devastated by his loss."
Harnish wrote, "He was a respected member of this community and will be missed by all."
Harnish said a memorial service was held for Hopkins Sunday at Blackmagic Motorsports.
She added, "Not seeing or hearing him ride up and down the road testing the bikes he builds and repairs is going to be missed."
