The Antelope Valley Times

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Motorcyclist killed in suspected DUI crash, driver arrested

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The motorcycle rider was killed instantly, sheriff’s officials said. His name has not yet been released. [Photo by LUIS MEZA]
PALMDALE – A 28-year-old Lancaster man was killed Sunday night when his motorcycle collided with a suspected drunken driver who turned into his path, authorities said.

The fatal collision happened around 8:09 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, on Avenue L at 15th Street West in Lancaster, according to a news release from the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.

The driver of the Avalanche turned left into the path of the Harley Davidson, causing a head on collision, sheriff’s officials said. [LUIS MEZA]
“Preliminary information gathered at the scene indicates the rider of a black, 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle was traveling west on Avenue L in the number one lane at approximately 50 mph. The driver of a black, 2003 Chevy Avalanche was traveling east on Avenue L and entered the left (north) turn pocket at 15th Street West,” the news release states.

“According to witnesses, the light was green for both directions. The driver of the Avalanche turned left into the path of the Harley Davidson, causing a head on collision. As a result of the collision, the motorcycle rider was killed instantly,” the news release states.

Driver Roland Vaughan, 36, of Lancaster, appears to be taking a field sobriety test. He was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, officials said. [LUIS MEZA]
“Alcohol was a factor in this collision, and the driver of the Avalanche was arrested for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated,” the news release states.

The driver, 36-year-old Roland Vaughan of Lancaster, was arrested around 9:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, and is being held in lieu of $1 million bail, according to LASD inmate records.

The deceased motorcyclist’s name is being withheld pending next of kin notification, coroner’s officials said Monday afternoon.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station Traffic Office at 661-948-8466.

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UPDATE: The deceased motorcycle rider has been identified as 28-year-old Kenneth Elsey of Lancaster, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

Filed Under: Crime/ Safety

81 comments for "Motorcyclist killed in suspected DUI crash, driver arrested"

  1. To the families and friends of both individuals: Mr. Kenny Elsey and Mr. Roland Vaughan.
    The loss of someone we love is tragic and life changing – and we are often filled with not only grief and despair, but anger. The family whose loved one is involved in this situation and lives, also suffers. There’s no way to measure grief – it is all horrible. Most of the comments on this page however are about a girl and a baby and little about the real story of loss and that story has two sides.

    I pray for the Kenny Elsey’s family in the hopes that they find resolution with the story on these comments about a baby that may or may not be his’ and I also pray for Mr. Vaughan. I’ve read about him as well and am grateful for his sacrifices while serving this nation.

    There is tragedy for everyone – no matter your position in this matter as there are two sets of mothers and fathers and two sets of siblings and hundreds and hundreds of others out there whose lives will be forever changed – on both sides of this story.

    Because I have buried someone dear who was only 21 and had all those emotions that come with that loss, I know this pain. Yet, I also know about forgiveness and that love is stronger than death. So my prayers and wishes are for both families as this tragedy is not limited.

    God bless.

    • Thank you for the kind words. Yes we are trying to deal with this and learning forgiveness in this situation. I know Roland’s family is hurting to, but they have his shoulder to cry on, we dont!

    • forgiveness is spiritual, the drunk moron deserves legal punishment. This is taught in the bible. Kenny is dead, Roland is alive. Forgive him personally, but punishment is deserved. dont listen to anyone else that says differently!

    • who cares about Rolands services! He killed my friend kenny you sooth sayer! If he was truly moral he would have never drove drunk! the longer he is in prison and the longer his felony is on hid record the better! I dont care you butied someone, no care at all! Kennys family can show you the ashes! One can only hope his punishment is as assertive as possible!!! I forgive him, but his crime must be legally punished! I also heard he was saying he was suicidal over it, Kennys killer, he doesnt even man up to it, he fakes suicidal behavior in order to get sympathy for himself!!!

    • thr grief of having a dea dad is nuch worse than having a son in prison not homeless or dead! Its MUCH worse! I accuse you of being Rolands family! Get out of here, your family member is a killer!

    • One more thing about this honorable served the nation Roland. This punk also tried to RUN AWAY from the scene on attempts to escape! A undercover police officer saw him and his NON DRUNK girlfriend let him drive to begin with pleaded for him to stop but he refused. He stopped when he saw the sirens only! Some serving of the nation!!! In California a felony if you serve even 1 day in state prison can never ever be expunged. Hopefully roland has to pawn his purple heart (Ive been told he has one) when he is jobless in the future to make money! He is lucky Kennys family doea not also sue him for wrongful death, Hopefully they do. Kenny was young and knew alot about motorcycles. He had alot of future income. Roland deserves his fate! He is pathetic scum on earth! Again, I forgive him but NOT forget what he did!

  2. why are so many people bashing Brittney? She didn’t impregnant herself ya know! Obviously she had a relationship with Kenny, and she deserves the right to mourn as well as any other friend of his. I’m sure in HER right time she will come forward. I do hope she reaches out to the part of the family that is welcoming her and the baby.

    and those of you, mostly women, that are bashing her… you are what’s wrong in the world today. Women need to come together and not tear each other apart! grow up and stop calling her names, Unless you were a fly on the wall, you have no idea what their relationship was built on. who knows what he told her, if anything about the fiance. And to those of you that knew he had 2 women, why didn’t you talk some sense into him?

    • I agree with you.

      How does anyone know what happened? Maybe she didn’t know about his girlfriend and child until after she got pregnant. Then at that point she was already in the situation she was in.

      If I was her I wouldn’t come forward at all anymore his family doesn’t seem open and welcoming at all. I would be fearful for my safety and the safety of my child.

      And for some of these women to say produce a paternity test? If he never asked for one then no one else should have the right to either!

      She doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone. What about calling Kenny a home wrecker, he knew he had a home he chose to wreck!

    • Hello this is Jeannette (Kenny’s mom),
      Please if you know Brittany can you have her contact me. 6615268142 I need you to understand the people with not so nice words are just protecting Kenny. Again if in fact this is true I’m asking you to please contact us. We are not bad people remember we raised Kenny to be the man he is. I can’t believe her family wouldn’t encourage her to get in touch with us.
      I’m sorry for the hurtful words people are posting please stop, if this is true I need to know. Don’t sleep much because missing Kenny, now her post has me confused.

      • Brittney, if Kenny really gave you a baby boy, then please allow us to meet him. His mother is right, she did raise him. His family is very big,and has so much love to give you and the baby remember him and what a great young man that he is and was. Kenny himself would want you to share his sons life if it’s true. Please come forward. We are very loving, and a very strong family.

        Also, please don’t listen to all the bad things that people say!!

    • I’m also an Outside looking in. IF this all is true, then the truth will set you free.

      There are many people reaching out to Brittney and friends looking for answers and wanting to help. People are a little upset because of the timing and format on how this came about. But it’s done and out there. Now it’s time to meet and help each other threw the loss of Kenny. Don’t be shy Stand tall and proud and tell us all answers

    • To Kenny’s mom,and to his family and friends,my deepest sympathy at this time as there is no pain like losing your son to a drunk driver, I only know the pain too well because I lost my only son on Sheridan drive feb 22 2009 yesterday 8 years ago. There is no words that I could say that would or ever will stop you from the pain and hurt,and having this happen so suddenly and so tragically and so preventable only hurts more . I cry still everyday for my son Charlie he was 27 he just had a baby girl 10 weeks before he was killed who never got to meet him , he left behind his mom his sisters and uncles and aunts and grandparents and to top it all off the trial was lengthy and costly but only lead to more grief when after being found guilty and sentenced to 8 years “I still was hurting ” but then comes the appeals which also was lengthy and only resulted in the drunk driver receiving only a tampering with evidence charge.. I am now living in Kansas because I could not bare to see this driver driving down the road or the thought life was going on. Because Charlie’s certainly wasn’t . This driver was not fined was not held responsible was not suspended from driving nothing so please don’t get your hopes up just to be let down that way! Nothing is going to bring our sons back nothing and I’m hurting right now for you all, I just found out today this happened so being so amazed with a lot of the similaritys as this is I felt even more compelled to speak to you from my heart ! I’m so sorry this happened to you and know your going through a living hell right now ! You people out there who don’t have sense enough to stop this bashing and putting his mom through even more pain then she is enduring right now ! Just stop it ! Shame on you all ! God bless you kennys mommy I have you on my mind and in my prayers

      • Thank you Charles mom, very sorry to hear you have been though this without justice. We are all trying to stay strong and not expecting to much but we will all fight for justice for all victim’s of dui drivers. Laws need to made stronger to stop this from happening slap on the hand isn’t enough for anyone who takes a live while making a CHOICE to drive after drinking. Thank you for the kind words and reality. Stay strong and I hope our sons are up there working to make things right down here. Praying for your family also. ♡♡♡

  3. Why would his lover go and put herself out there. She should be ashamed u hate birches that can’t get there own man.like you would go and try to steal a married man. I hate females that do that shot. You females are trash and only trash .

  4. Hey Brittany how bout you show your face now you dark lie!! No class to put this in open….come see his auntie shannon

  5. Our hearts/prayers go out to Ashley, her daughter & Kenny’s family. Ashley has been part of our family since about 2005 & like a daughter. A needless DUI driver strip away a life 4 no reason except raw stupidity. You will b 4ever in our thought/prayers & 4ever stay there. Until we all meet 2gether again…God Bless

  7. Ashley, I am greaving with you for your loss and the loss of Barron (a month ago today). I ask why, but there is no answer. Love.

  8. I am devastated that he was taken so soon.

    We just had our son our son will not remember him he was a great dad to our son and to Paisley. I know Paisley must be devastated to not see him anymore because she understood and knew more.

    Now our son will never know his sister or his fathers side of the family. Regardless of how our relationship came about and how our son came about he loves you and I know you loved him. I will truly miss you more than words can describe and I pray you know how much you are loved.

    We were a secret here on earth and I guess you took that secret up with you to heaven. Thank you for all the wonderful memories, kisses, love and gifts and more impirrantly thank you for our baby boy ❤

      • Ashley is like a daughter 2 us & we r praying 4 her & ur family. Dumbfounded on y she chose this devenstating time 4 a post like this.

    • Brittany I am so sorry to hear this. He was so good and kind to you. I am here to help you with the baby anyway that I can. Don’t let anyone talk down to you in regards to your relationship with him. Yes it wasn’t conventional but it was yours and he loved you and the baby so much. I could see how much he loved you each time he set eyes on you. Keep his memory close.

      • Hi Jeremy, can you please help get in touch with Brittney I would love to meet her. If my son loved her I’m sure we will too. 6615268142 thank you.

        • Yes please, because if that little boy is truly little Kenny’s boy, we would all like to love him as we did Kenny.

    • How dare you! I hope you are ashamed of yourself! How dare you put this family through more pain! I would highly suggest that you leave my friends daughter’s name out of your mouth!

      • I know Brittany personally and she does in fact have a son with him. A few months old. This is not the time or place however

        I am sorry for the loss of your friend.

      • Well said, Rosa. This is infuriating! Words can’t describe the pain this family is going through and for something like this to be posted for everyone to see is truly uncalled for! Brittany, you’re a horrible, sorry excuse for a person.

        • No doubts, that Brittany is suffering in pain, as well. What’s wrong with you people? There’s an innocent baby, who will never have his daddy in his life.

          • Post a DNA test that proves it, instead of hearsay from someone who refuses to contact Kennys mom or sister.

            Hurting or not, why reach out in such a manner as to devestate his fiancé and daughter….the NOT secret ones????

        • Why is everyone blaming this girl Brittney? It takes 2 to tango…. besides if it’s true, theirs 2 children that are left without a father and if everyone keeps hatin, these kids will be without extended family as well. It’s unfortunate for the loss of a young life, but don’t make the babies suffer because you are all angry. These babies didn’t ask to be here but since they are everyone needs to figure things out and learn to get along. You all know life is to short!
          I don’t know people in this party, just putting my 2 cents in as someone looking in from the outside…since it is on social media. I hope your family can find forgiveness and peace thru all of this, may God be with you all.

    • You shouldn’t have commented and left well enough enough alone.

      You know what you two had and it was in the dark for a reason and you should have left it this way. Why bring it to light now and at such a precarious time?

      I am sorry baby not lost his dad and I will help you anyway I can. He was a cool dude and I saw the love he had for you.

      Just leave it alone you aren’t going to do anything but start trouble. Raise your son with his memory.

    • Why Brittany? Why air this here why air this now? What you guys shared was awesome that’s great but your relationship was kept in the dark for a reason.

      All you are going to do now is bring unneeded grieve and turmoil to his family who is already grieving.

      Your son is a testament of your love. Yes he loved you with a fierceness like no other I could see it every time he looked at you but that doesn’t change the circumstances in which your relationship or child came about.

      Let his family grieve in peace. Raise your son and be happy you have a token of his love left behind.

      • So what you are saying is better? The bottom line is she was a secret and she aired this now so because of that she needs to provide DNA testing (that can be done with her, baby and his parents) to show proof of her statement and then they need to figure out how to get along for the kids

    • Who ever you are I need you to call me 6615268798. We need some answers this is his sister Kassie

      • Some attention deprived supposed SIDE chick… regardless this isn’t the time or place for her to air out her dirty laundry!

      • who cares who she is. please leave the drama at the door and lets mourn the loss of one of our local residents.

      • She is a friend and she does in fact have a son born 2016 I want to say late August early Sept I’m not completely sure of the date.

        Sorry for the loss of your friend.

    • Hi, if in fact your post is true. Please come forward and let us be part of your secret! I’m sure Kenny would have wanted us to know but just to afraid to hurt anyone. Please my heart is broken and would love to have more to fill it with. Jeannette Kenny’s mom

      • This is in fact true I know Brittany. He was afraid to hurt his girlfriend and daughter and well his family. Baby was born late August/early September I believe.

        I will encourage her to reach out. It’s not fair she brought this to light at such a precarious time for you all especially if she has no intention of comment no forward.

        I am sorry for the loss of your son. I truly am.

    • Brittany, I don’t know any of you, but, I am so sorry for your loss. And that you and your son are going through this alone, without, the emotional support of the other family members. You must be a very strong young lady… Hopefully , in time, everything will work out for you and the baby. Emotions are running on high, at this time, but, you shouldn’t feel any less than the next person. You and the baby matter too! There will be other things that will surface, such as, Social Security benefits for his son. Don’t let anyone bully you or, push you aside. What matters, is that his son is loved and taken care of by as many people who are wanting to be in his life. Time will tell…Blessings of healing, love, and light to you and the family.

    • I feel really sorry for you Brittany. I know I don’t know you but I truly do feel sorry for you.

      Even if you did want to come forward and introduce his family to your baby before how could you possibly feel comfortable now?

      His dad leaving vulgar remarks, these other people that know him leaving mean and hurtful comments. I am sorry you are going through this. Who is to say that if you came forward they wouldn’t just attack you as a human being.

      If I were you I would not feel safe exposing myself or my baby to these people they seem angry and mean and I wouldn’t want that especially at a time like this in my life.

      I wish you and your son the best.

    • I don’t know the family, but this is so sad that you felt the need to tell everyone about this. I understand you want your baby to know his Dad’s family, but let the man go with dignity. If he wanted the relationship to be kept a secret why did you put it out for everyone to see. You say you loved him, but love doesn’t air someone’s dirty laundry. It should have been done a different way. This says a lot about your character Brittney.

    • You are hurting a good family i hope you know that. Either come forward or shut up. Bc all you are doing is putting this idea in their head that there is a little boy who can remind them of their son. You are dangling this dream infront of them. And refusing to come forward. Do you want sympathy? Or money? This is a loving family who would love the grandson but either come forward with dna or just back off.

    • Hey Brittany, you a slut cause if u knew he was married. Why didn’t u walk away? But people like u are nothing but homewrekers. And I just proved yourself trash.

      • I don’t know either party and can only speak on your generalization. As was stated by someone else, it takes two to tango. Both sides chose to have a sexual relationship, blaming the female and calling her a slut is unfair and misogynistic.

    • Troll go away. I am contacting the police so whoever you are your identity will soon be known! Disrespect.

  9. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is so sad that someone could be so irresponsible and drive while impaired. I myself was hit at that same intersection on Jan 9 2013. A driver hit me and my friend and I almost died, I lost my leg and had seven surgeries to repair the rest, my live will never be the same and I blame that dangerous intersection. The light should be red not green at the same time as oncoming traffic. Also 50 mph is to fast for that area. Something should be done by the city, but they just ignore the bad wrecks that happen there. My prayers go out to you and your family, god rest his soul in heaven. Joe

  10. I always looked forward to seeing Kenny and all of the other young wrenches at Old Road Harley whenever I had a service appointment; I just talked with him a few days ago while he was eating his lunch and I was waiting for my bike to be finished. It looks like we have another rider up in Heaven; rest easy brother.

  12. He was my childhood and teenage/early adult friend and I would have likely seen him again in the future. I am very sad this occured. May he be very happy with Jesus. I am very upset at the drunk driver killer. Hopefully he gets max penalty allowable by law. It is similar to shooting a gun into a crowd and saying the bullets -may- not have hit anyone.

  13. I’m so sorry for your loss,Kenny was our Support Manager at Walnart a while ago. He was full of life,Happy at all times. Helped all of us with no complaints. We all will miss him. Please know we all feel your loss May God bless your whole family. To his girlfriend and baby girl were all so sorry, he talked about you always and loved you very much. Our deepest sympathy and love. God be with you all.

  14. My condolences to the family and friends , it’s not fair always the innocent gets killed .Glad he’s behind bars . Rip

  15. I am so sorry for the loss of your son, father, boyfriend and other loved ones. I have a 28 year old son and I cannot even begin to feel the pain and heartache you must be feeling. I can only say that you always be remembered and in my thoughts and prayers. I heard the accident while on my balcony last night and my heart sank with sadness. God Bless all of you and I am so, so very Kenny’s life was taken in such a tragic way and much too early.

  16. He was a friend of mine in my childhood & teen age including early adult years. He will be missed. The drunk who killed my friend should pay with hopefully 10 year prison time, felony on his record & a 10,000 dollar fine. Drunk driving should he first degree murder. It’s similar to shooting a gun in a crowd and hoping the bullets miss everyone.

  19. Very Sorry for everyone’s loss. I did not know him but sure we have crossed paths all of my fellow Motorcyclists please be very careful and again so sorry for such a tragic event. May He Rest in Peace.

  20. Kenny was my nephew and was an amazing young man. He was always so happy and lived life to the fullest, just like his parents. I remember all the times his family and I hung out to play dominos, BBQ and have a few laughs. Life was so beautiful. And when his mom says “shame on you Roland, his whole family is saying the same. “Shame on you”, you didn’t only change the lives of one family, but of many. I hope and pray that you’re never able to hurt another family like you have hurt ours.

    Aunt Pat

  21. My prayers are with the Elsey family
    I’m sorry for the loss of your son Kenny
    I know that he is with our Heavenly Father
    And yes shame on you Roland Vaughn
    You took a fine young man , baby girl is left with out her daddy and a mom and dad without there son because of your stupidity ! My Condolences Elsey Family I’m praying for all of you during this difficult time

  22. God bless this Man We said a prayer for him at the scene he is with the Angels now. God bless his family they are always in my prayers.

    • Thank you, wish I could have been with him at the scene. I miss him so much, can’t stop the tears. His family and friends will be at the scene tomorrow at 6 pm to remember Kenny and the good man he is. Hope to see you all there. ♡♡♡♡

    • We are the Elsey family and my son Kenny was killed in the crash. Thank you for making this public knowledge, it needs to be hear. Miss my son tremendously he left behind a 2 year old and a wonderful girlfriend. Shame on you Roland. A great man has lost his life and a family left empty. Kenny’s mom

        • Shannon, Tom – and all the Elseys … I am so sorry in your loss … you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to all of you as you must find the strength to get through these hard days ahead …

      • Sending love and prayers to you and Ken. I’m so sorry to hear this. Kenny, such a wonderful young man, I’ll never forget him or the times he helped me out with my bike or my truck, he was always so giving.

      • God bless this family my prayer are with you all may our heavenly father be with you all and give you strength and comfort .If you need a grief support group the Palmdale hospital hospital has one every Thursday I believe at 6:00 or 6:30 pm its a good group just to talk about your lost . God bless .

      • So sorry, Kenny was a great dude, always with a nice compliment and a kind word to strangers. Praying for all the families affected by this tragedy. Buzzed driving is drunk driving, when will people learn!

  24. Ride peace brother you will be missed dearly , your family is in my thoughts and prayers, guess we will have to wait on that golfing shenanigans