Stuntwoman, 28, killed in freeway motorcycle crash
A 28-year-old stuntwoman was killed Tuesday in Studio City after she fell off her motorcycle and was hit by another vehicle, authorities said.
April Erin Stirton was riding her motorcycle west on the 101 Freeway near the Laurel Canyon Boulevard exit about 7:40 a.m. when she attempted to pass a tow truck ahead of her in the same lane, Lt. Cheryl MacWillie of the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said.
Stirton lost control, fell off her bike and was struck by the back wheels of the tow truck, California Highway Patrol Officer Jose Nunez said. Her motorcycle then skidded two lanes over and became lodged under the rear wheels of another truck.
Stirton, a resident of North Hollywood, had been traveling at 55 mph. She was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
According to her online resume, Stirton had appeared as an acrobat in live shows and performed stunts on television shows, including “True Blood” and “CSI.”
-- Corina Knoll
EDITOR'S PICKS:
who says it happened that way? the tow truck driver? how often does someone just 'lose control' when driving down a freeway?
Posted by: paulman | April 06, 2010 at 06:27 PM
this is really sad news......Godspeed April...
Posted by: cat | April 06, 2010 at 07:25 PM
Motorcyclists should be more cautious because they can suddenly sustain injuries or die as a result of their negligence. In addition, they should practice defensive driving so that they can avoid being involved in accidents. Visit http://www.caraccidentlawyerpros.com/ for additional information about road accidents.
Posted by: Samantha Rogers | April 06, 2010 at 07:53 PM
Sounds like she attempted to lane split and probably clipped the tow truck. Either way, be safe riders.
Posted by: Darby C | April 07, 2010 at 10:09 AM
How do we know that the tow truck driver didn't move over into her? I used to ride and stopped because of jerks making lane changes without checking. This could very well be a case like that.
Posted by: My opinon means nothing | April 07, 2010 at 06:23 PM
I AM INCLINED TO BELIEVE THE TOW TRUCK SIDE SWIPED HER!!! I have riddin on the back of numerous bikes, Therefore, I speak from 1st hand experience!!! I can't count how many times my husband had to vere back in front of traffic to avoid being hit by a vehicle on the right!
Posted by: Julie | April 10, 2010 at 07:36 AM