Benefit set for survivors of motorcycle accident
MARC BUCKHOUT ~ MANAGING EDITOR ~ 6/16/2010

It has been almost three months since the accident that claimed the lives of four motorcyclists along Carefree Highway and 27th Ave., but the tragedy remains fresh in the mind of members of the North Valley community.
“It has impacted a lot of people,” Walgreens store manager Janice Story said. “Me and my fellow employees went running out there with fire extinguishers and blankets that day and we weren’t alone among the members of this community that tried to help any way we could.”
While the chilling memories remain from the March 25 incident, so do the visual reminders. Story maintains the memorial, a combination of flowers, stuffed animals and bandanas tied in a tree, which sit at the intersection where a dump truck, driven by Michael Jakscht, hit a group of 10 motorcyclists who were stopped at the light.
Phoenix Police eventually arrested the 46-year-old man on suspicion of driving under the influence of methamphetamine.
Meanwhile the community has looked for ways to make a difference in the lives of the victims and their families.
Outside of the Walgreens, located at 2707 W Carefree Hwy, the site, just steps from where the accident took place, there will be a benefit from noon – 6 p.m. Saturday during which time food and drink will be available, a bouncy house for kids is expected and many prizes will be raffled.
“We’re still getting things lined up, but the local businesses have been really good about donating items,” Story said. “We’re going to have raffle tickets to purchase for a chance to win some prizes.”
Inside the store Story has laminated notes left at the memorial. The store also sports a banner on the wall with the names of all of the bikers involved in the accident. Bumper stickers, patches and T-shirts are all available for purchase, with the proceeds benefitting the six survivors of the accident, to help pay for medical expenses.
Story said that at least one of the survivors, Jason Anania, will be at the event.
Anania, a Phoenix resident, is recovering from a broken leg and a broken arm.
“I still have issues getting around,” he said. “I’m either using a cane or using a scooter to propel myself around. It has been a long road. I’m getting better all the time. Some days I feel 100 percent. Other days I don’t feel well at all.”
The Phoenix resident said he keeps in touch with the other survivors and was encouraged to hear that Ernie Lizarraga, the last of the survivors hospitalized was recently released.
Though his leg has a titanium rod in it Anania said the physical challenges he is going through pale in comparison to the emotional trauma he is
dealing with.
He said he remember the scene from the accident in great detail. After being moved away from the burning truck by bystanders, following the collision, he said Story stood over him with a blanket trying to comfort him while waiting for medical personnel. He also remembers seeing Dayle Downs-Totonchi, lying next to him. She would die at the hospital the next day.
After spending three days in the hospital Anania was sent home to begin his recovery. Part of the recovery has included writing about his experience www.askabiker.com.
“I’m a nurse,” he said. “I’m a caregiver. I don’t how to receive help, but by giving people a connection to an event which nobody could get their heads around has helped. I’ve gotten tremendous feedback from people around the world and especially the people here in the North Valley. I think it helps all of us get through the
grieving process.”
Story says to this point between the sales of merchandise and donations the store has raised $6,000, all of which has gone toward aiding the survivors deal with their medical bills.
“The community has been greatly supportive,” Story said.
Phoenix MC Kruzers (PMCK) and Phoenix Motorcycle Riders Group (PMRG), of which the riders were members of will also be on hand.
For information on the two groups go to www.meetup.com/Phoenix-M-C-Kruzers/ or www.meetup.com/PhxMRG/about/.