A Covington resident, Richard Kennedy, died Thursday night as a result of an accident involving a van and motorcycle he was riding.
The accident occurred in the 3100 block 228 Avenue Southeast near Black Diamond.
Captain Kyle Ohashi from the Kent Regional Fire Authority reported the incident at 7:19 p.m.
The 56-year-old Kennedy was airlifted to Harborview where he died from his injuries.
Shaun Miller, his close friend of more than 12 years said, “There was too much damage when he was pulled out from under the van.”
Miller said Kennedy had bought the motorcycle, a Yamaha Road Star Midnight Sliverado 1670, about 24 hours before the accident. Miller stated Kennedy had owned a motorcycle about two years ago. He had not had one since and had decided to buy the Yamaha.
“He shelled out $7,000 for that bike,” Miller said. “He died happy. His eyes lit up when he knew he’d be getting back out on the road.”
Miller said he also wanted people to know, “How deadly a bike can be.”
According to Miller, Kennedy worked for Todd Pacific Shipyards, which is now Vigor Industrial, for 27 years. After the shipyards he drove school bus for five years and before retiring about a year ago.
“He was a great guy and he had a heart of gold,” Miller said. “He has been 30 years clean and sober. You can’t stay clean 30 years and not be a great guy. I just didn’t want him to go out unrecognized.
Covington man dies from motorcycle accident Thursday evening
