KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Police are still investigating a traffic crash that left a motorcyclist dead over the weekend in KCK. The victim has been identified as Roger Chapman of Independence, Mo. Police say a driver failed to stop and hit Chapman from behind.
The crash happened Sunday at 63rd and Leavenworth Road. Chapman was remembered on Monday night as loyal, hardworking and a bit of a joker. His son Kenneth hopes that word of his father’s death will encourage those behind the wheel to be more careful.
“He was a stand-up guy. Do anything for anybody,” said Kenneth.
He’s now left to share memories of his father, who he says was taken too soon.
“His first passion, aside from his family, was motorcycles. So anything that pertained to motorcycles, he was involved in, be it charities, rides, anything,” Kenneth said.
Charities like “Bikers for Babies,” where he was awarded first place in the ‘People’s Choice Award’ one year.
“Just a hardworking individual that everyday got up and did what he was supposed to do,” Kenneth said.
Roger Chapman also was a sailor in the U.S. Navy and recently was doing what he could to take care of his mother before the fatal crash.
“I hear my brother, and he’s crying on the other line, and he said, ‘it’s dad,’” Kenneth recalled.
Sunday, the driver of a red Ford Taurus failed to stop, plowing into Chapman who was sitting at a light.
“That’s just one of the avoidable things I think that, there nothing could have been done in that situation, pending an investigation or if something else comes up. But just from what I’ve heard of it, there’s just nothing really avoidable about that,” Kenneth said.
But Kenneth also said if there’s anything to take away from this tragedy, it’s for drivers to pay more attention.
“That’s what people need to be aware of, is that you do share the road, you know?” Kenneth said.
While Roger Chapman’s death is cause to grieve, Kenneth plans to keep on smiling.
“I want to keep a smile. That’s how my dad would have wanted it. He wouldn’t want to see me cry,” Kenneth said.
Police say right now it’s too soon to know if the driver who hit Chapman will face charges.
