By Kelsi Peace, Managing Editor
A Hardin-Simmons University student and football player was killed Saturday in a motorcycle accident at the intersection of E.N. 10th Street and Washington Boulevard.
Brentdrick Walker, 20, layed his motorcycle on its side when he attempted to avoid colliding with the vehicle of Arthur Traylor, 60, according to the accident report.
Walker, who was driving east on E.N. 10th, struck the driver’s side of Traylor’s vehicle, according to the report. Traylor was not injured.
Walker was taken to Hendrick Medical Center and later pronounced dead. Walker was the starting cornerback for the HSU Cowboys, a venue many ACU students got to know him through.
HSU athletic director John Meese said he knew Walker both in the classroom and on the football field.
“The whole time he was on our campus, I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile on his face,” Meese said. “He was so happy to be at Hardin-Simmons.”
The sport, fitness and leisure major also rose up as a leader, Meese said.
“He was a very hard worker, looking to prove himself in the game of football.People saw his positive attitude; they felt that they could trust him as a leader.”
Ultimately, Meese said he will remember Walker with a smile on his face.
“If you remember people for being happy and thrilled with the environment they’re in, then that’s a great legacy,” he said.
Sgt. Doug Wren, who was at the scene of the accident, said police estimate
Walker was traveling between 55 and 60 mph in an area with a posted speed limit of 40. Police are waiting for the toxicology report, which can take up to three months, to determine if drugs or alcohol were a factor, Wren said. Walker was wearing a helmet.
The accident marks the fourth motorcycle accident in Abilene since April, Wren said, three of which were speed related.
Wren said he noticed a Mesquite tree at the scene of the accident that blocked the view from the outside lane, where Walker was traveling.
“Had he been going the normal speed, it wouldn’t have been a problem,” Wren said.
A wake will be at 7 p.m. Friday at New Independent Baptist Church in Dallas, and a funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Inspiration Body of Christ.
