The family of a motorcyclist killed after colliding with a deputy patrol vehicle Sunday morning on South Coast Highway in Encinitas is trying to make sure the circumstances surrounding his death don't taint the way he will be remembered.
Carter Yarborough, 48, was riding northbound on the highway when he hit a patrol car as it made a left turn from southbound lanes. Witnesses told police that Yarborough was speeding and may have been doing a wheelie or other stunts prior to the collision.
His sister told NBC 7 that he never sped or tried to do any tricks on his bike.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is still investigating whether Yarborough or the deputy is at fault, but Yarborough's mother Wanda said that either way, her son should be remembered for his impact on others and not as someone who would disregard his community's safety.
"He did everything for his community. Even Sycuan [Casino] can speak on my behalf," Wanda said. "I have never heard anyone say anything bad about him. Never."
Yarborough worked at the casino and also coached track and field at Valhalla High School in El Cajon for more than 15 years. Wanda said that his runners, and their parents, loved him as their coach.
She was never keen on him having a motorcycle, but accepted it because she knew he loved to ride.
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The deputy driving the patrol car was not injured. He immediately administered CPR on Yarborough after the crash but was unable to save his life.
"When you get a call at 11:30, 12 o'clock at night and the coroner gave me his name and they say that's my son and say have him here him at the morgue, that was the most devastating thing I can hear. No one wants to hear that. Nobody," Wanda said.
