Staff writer
A motorcycle collided with a car at the driveway of Casey’s General Store in Marion on Monday, sending the motorcycle rider to the hospital and leaving both drivers with citations.
Emily Staatz, 23, Ramona, was driving a 1999 Plymouth eastbound on Main and attempted to turn left into the parking lot at Casey’s. In doing so, she drove into the path of an oncoming 1983 Yamaha motorcycle driven by Jeanie Hillyer, 56, Newton.
Hillyer was unable to stop and hit the right front side of the Plymouth in a dramatic collision that sent her flying.
“The car driver stated she didn’t realize the motorcycle was there,” said sergeant Mark Ottensmeier. “According to witnesses, Hillyer cartwheeled at least three times in the air before hitting the pavement.”
Hillyer reportedly was not wearing a helmet. She was taken by ambulance to St. Luke Hospital, then airlifted to St. Francis Medical Center in Wichita.
Ottensmeier said Hillyer had massive injuries to the back of her head and her right leg.
“She was still in emergency surgery at 11 p.m. that night,” Ottensmeier said.
Ottensmeier said that while he chooses not to ride motorcycles, he encourages people who ride them to wear a helmet and leather boots and gloves to protect themselves as much as possible.
Staatz was cited for improper left turn and failing to change her driver’s license address. Hillyer was cited for no motorcycle license.