A Pasadena man killed in a motorcycle accident Friday on Spooner Summit has been identified as Jon Greenawalt, 49.
Greenawalt was with a group of about 20 others heading to Reno for Street Vibrations when he lost control of his Harley-Davidson on Highway 50 West about six miles from the junction with Highway 395 at 4 p.m.
According to a witness, Greenawalt traveled for a short distance on the shoulder before his bike cartwheeled. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Greenawalt's girlfriend, Susan Moritz, was riding her own motorcycle when the accident occurred.
"He was the most cautious rider you will ever know," she wrote in an e-mail Monday. "Safety was so very important to him. He never went faster than the speed limit. We never, ever drank alcohol while riding."
A preliminary report blames excessive speed for Greenawalt's accident, but Moritz believes a mechanical problem is likely the cause.
A week before the couple made the trip up from Pasadena, she said, his motorcycle oil light came on. A mechanic initially told Greenawalt he needed a new engine, then changed the diagnosis.
On the day of the accident, she said, Greenawalt complained his bike was not performing.
"'My bike has no power, I cannot keep up with you guys,'" Moritz recalled him saying.
When the group stopped for a rest, Greenawalt's bike had difficulty starting.
"I do believe he did have something wrong with his bike," she said.
They plan to have the bike mechanically inspected.
Nevada Highway Patrol mechanical findings were not available Tuesday.
Greenawalt is also survived by two children, ages 9 and 6. He was the assistant soccer coach for both their teams and the assistant coach for Little League. He is also survived by his mother and stepfather Arlene and William Johnson of Arizona.
"I have no idea what I will do without my Jon. My heart is empty now, and has a large hole. I was the luckiest woman in the world cause I had the best man in the world," Moritz said.
