WARNING: Some images in this story may be graphic or disturbing to some viewers or readers.
HALIFAX – A Dartmouth man said his life has been turned upside-down after a motorcycle he was riding was involved in a hit-and-run.
Mitchell Rourke, 23, has been riding motorcycles for seven years and has never been in an accident.
On May 2, Rourke was taking his motorcycle for a spin and was taking the off-ramp onto the 103 from the 102 when he said a black vehicle tried to pass him on the ramp, forcing him into the shoulder and causing him to lose control.
“I didn’t realize what was happening until it was well too late. There’s very little I could do about it,” he said.
Rourke was thrown from his bike and landed in the ditch. Two bones in his left forearm were broken and surgeons had to put his arm back together with metal plates and screws.
He lost a chunk of flesh from the bottom of his left arm. Rourke required a skin graft from his thigh to replace the missing portion of his arm.
“I was in hospital for 13 days. I’m feeling much better now and working on re-gaining motion in my hand. I have lost quite a bit of mobility and use of my left hand.”
Rourke’s life has undergone an upheaval. He had been working in a factory doing physical labour but is now incapable of doing the manual labour required.
“I was unable to walk and I could barely prepare meals for myself with only the use of one hand,” he said.
Rourke said he may never be able to forgive the individual who was behind the wheel.
“It actually makes me very angry. I’ve never done anything that would cause somebody else harm. It bothers me that somebody would be that reckless as to endanger my life for no reason and then left,” he said.
“What he did was extremely reckless. I could have been dead in the ditch and he would have had no idea.”
Victim tries to move forward
Rourke had planned on riding his brand-new motorcycle this summer. But until he regains full control of his hand, that is out of the question.
He is undergoing physiotherapy and said it may be closer to the end of the year, after riding season, that his arm and hand will be fully functional.
The family recently received financial assistance from the Bikers Down Society. The organization supports people who had motorcycle accidents and may no longer be able to work and provide for their families.
Roach said the money, which varies according to the victim’s circumstances, is meant to tide the individuals over until unemployment benefits, sick benefits or insurance money kicks in.
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Investigation comes to an end
Const. Pierre Bourdages with Halifax Regional Police said that, unfortunately, the police investigation has been concluded.
“We extensively looked for other witnesses or other pieces of evidence to try and further this investigation more. Unfortunately we were unable to locate any witnesses or any more information to lead us into any direction,” he said.
“It’s a very unfortunate collision. I mean this individual suffered very serious injuries but at this time, we have nothing else to go on in relation to this investigation.”
Rourke said he understands the police department’s decision. He hopes his injury and story is a warning for both motorcyclists and motorists to pay attention.
“To motorcyclists, all I can say is be aware of your surroundings. A lot of times, cars can’t see you or they don’t notice you so give cars as much room as you can and make yourself known. To motorists, try to watch out for motorcycles. They’re very vulnerable.”
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