Letter: Questions about my friend’s fatal accident – Albert Lea Tribune

My good friend and colleague was killed on October 5 in Oak Grove. He was riding a motorcycle and stopped at a red light waiting to turn left. His name was Kelly Linder, and he was actually wearing a helmet, which of course was a detail omitted in news reports. Kelly was a very attentive rider. I rode with him a few times on bike trails here and there.

The woman who hit him from behind reportedly admitted she was talking on her cell phone, but then changed her story and told the officer that the sun was in her eyes and she couldn’t see Kelly.

The accident occurred at noon, so the sun was high in the sky. She also stated that her speedometer was broken, so she had no idea how fast she was going.

As it turns out, this woman had just received a ticket two months ago for talking on the phone while driving. After the accident, she was allowed to return home with her father, who arrived at the scene.

He happens to be a retired police officer.

My question is why was she allowed to come home? Shouldn’t she have gone to jail?

I’m sure if I were a driver I’d be in jail right now. This woman’s driving license should be revoked because she is a threat to public safety. She should go to prison for a good 10 years. She should also pay Kelly’s family at least the amount he would earn for the rest of his working life!

If a drunk driver goes to jail because he may have killed someone, doesn’t it make sense that this woman who drove irresponsibly distracted because she was on the phone and killed an innocent man should go to jail?

This woman returned home after the accident; Kelly, on the other hand, has to go to the morgue.

Rod Anderson
Albert Lea