Hit-and-run driver sought in newlywed motorcyclist's death: Phoenix PD
PHOENIX - Police are looking for a driver accused of hitting and killing a motorcyclist in north Phoenix – the third fatal motorcycle crash in the Valley this week, and in two cases, the other driver fled the scene.
According to police, the crash happened just before 5 p.m. on Dec. 14 near 13th Street and Thunderbird Road. When officers got to the scene, they found 31-year-old Katerina Penrose-Kelso with serious injuries. She was taken to a hospital where she later died.
Investigators say Katerina was heading westbound on Thunderbird when a car turned left in front of her, "causing her to take evasive maneuvers, resulting in the collision."
"All other details about what led up to the collision will be determined through the accident reconstruction process," police said.
An Army reservist with a love for motorcycles
It doesn't take long to see how dangerous this stretch of road can be. Drivers speed down Thunderbird Road, with very few stop lights to slow them down. And during rush hour, when the crash happened, it's even worse.
A woman left flowers, balloons, and candles behind at the scene. Sure signs something sad has happened here.
David Kelso, the victim's husband of just three months, said, "We share our locations on her phone, so not making a phone call. I looked at her location, and it wasn't changing for 30 minutes. That made me scared."
The crash happened at this corner intersection late afternoon on December 14. Police say the motorcycle was heading westbound on Thunderbird when a vehicle made a left turn in front of it. The motorcyclist braked and swerved, then crashed. The rider died at an area hospital while the driver fled the scene. And neighbors say this is not the first time.
"Nobody likes speed cameras. I don't like them. But that's a six-lane highway in the middle of Phoenix. And I know that there have been other fatalities on Thunderbird."
Katerina, who went by Kat, was born in Russia, but was later adopted and moved to Phoenix. She was also an Army reservist with a love of motorcycles and knew how to handle herself on two wheels.
"Katerina and I spent our fair share on the track. The track gives great ability to learn and understand the right way to accelerate, the right way to brake, how your bikes get a maneuver," said David.
Katerina had just started a new journey. Who knows where life and their Ducatis might have taken them, but now David will have to move on without her.
"One day at a time. That's all we can do. So that's my plan."
There is no description of the vehicle that hit Katerina.
If you have any information about the crash, you're asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS, or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish.