The following is a press released issued by the California Highway Patrol Garberville Office The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On May 13, 2021, at approximately 0255 hours, Michael Lee Confer, was driving a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, northbound on US-101, south of Main Street, on the elevated Willits Bypass, at an unknown rate of speed. A male, was riding a 2007 BMW motorcycle, southbound on US-101, approaching the Pontiac, at approximately 55 mph. For reasons still under investigation, Confer allowed his Pontiac to travel over the double yellow painted lines, which separated the northbound and southbound lanes, directly into the path of the motorcycle. A head on collision occurred subsequently ejecting the male rider and his motorcycle over the side of the elevated bypass, where they came to rest below. The force of impact caused Confer’s Pontaic to ignite and catch fire. US-101 was closed for approximately 2 hours for emergency services and scene investigation.
The rider of the BMW motorcycle succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His name is being withheld pending notification to next of kin by the Mendocino County Coroner’s Office.
Michael Confer was evaluated and placed under arrest for suspicion of driving while under the influence of a controlled substance. Confer was booked into the Mendocino County Jail on charges of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
This incident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, Garberville Area.
Earlier Chapter
Whether or not this is DUI, let’s hope the punishment is swift and severe.
I’ve heard lots of ridiculous excuses in my community for the driver. Mostly from people who are equally as dangerous and irresponsible. He was just tired, the road needs to be modified, could have happened to anyone, etc. Ridiculous. It’s just not that tough to avoid driving the wrong way into a motorcycle on 101. Once the toxicology comes out, I’m sure there will be another round of excuses. This type of trash is all too common in our communities, and it’s usually the good responsible people that suffer and die.