Tragic Motorcycle Accident in Commerce Township Results in Misdemeanor Charges for Driver

Tragic Motorcycle Accident in Commerce Township Leads to Misdemeanor Charges

Commerce Township, a peaceful community known for its picturesque views and friendly residents, faced a heartbreaking event this past summer. On June 16, 2024, a tragic motorcycle crash unfolded on Wixom Road, leaving the community shaken and one family mourning the loss of a loved one.

Details of the Incident

It was a warm evening at about 9:17 p.m. when the unfortunate accident occurred. Joshua Steven Moomaw, a 40-year-old resident of Commerce Township, was on his 2006 Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycle, patiently waiting to make a left turn from Wixom Road onto Stratford Villa Way. Sadly, at that exact moment, Khim Lal Ghimire, 59, was driving his 2019 Toyota Sienna northbound on Wixom Road.

As Ghimire approached the intersection, he evidently failed to notice Moomaw’s halted motorcycle and collided with it from behind. The impact was severe. Moomaw was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital by paramedics from the Commerce Township Fire Department, but tragically succumbed to his injuries just days later on June 24.

A Community in Mourning

Moomaw was not alone that evening; his 41-year-old wife was a passenger on the motorcycle. She too was injured and had to be hospitalized, although she was fortunate enough to be released after treatment. Both riders, unfortunately, were not wearing helmets at the time—a detail that raises concerns about safety in such situations.

In contrast, Ghimire was wearing his seatbelt and, fortunately, did not suffer any injuries. Initial investigations by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit indicated that neither drugs nor alcohol played any role in the accident—a small relief amidst a sea of sadness.

Legal Proceedings

Fast forward to October 4, 2024. Ghimire turned himself in to the authorities and has been charged with a misdemeanor for a moving violation that resulted in death. This charge carries the potential for a sentence of up to one year, along with a hefty fine of $2,000. The 52-1 District Court has set a personal bond of the same amount for Ghimire, allowing him to remain free until his next court date.

Ghimire is scheduled to appear for a pretrial conference on October 16, where the legal proceedings will further unfold. The community is closely watching, hoping for justice while grappling with the heartache of losing one of their own.

A Call for Safety and Awareness

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety for everyone involved. Motorcyclists, in particular, are incredibly vulnerable on the roads, and drivers are urged to remain vigilant, especially in heavily trafficked areas. Perhaps this sadness can foster a renewed focus on safety practices among both motorcyclists and vehicles alike.

As Commerce Township continues to mourn the loss of Joshua Steven Moomaw, the community unites in support of his family and also in advocacy for safer streets. With shared grief comes a strong resolve to ensure that such tragedies are minimized in the future. The hope is to transform this sorrow into a beacon for change—ultimately protecting lives on the road.