FLORIDA WALK-ON DIES IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
Florida walk-on DB Michael Guilford died in a motorcycle accident overnight, according to the Gainesville Sun. He was 19 years old. Also killed in the crash: Ashley E. Slonina, 20.
Beyond sad: the two were allegedly traveling 55 to 65 mph on a motorcycle without helmets. We wouldn’t be alive without a helmet–one saved our skull in a motorcycle accident nearly a decade ago. It may be perfectly legal to operate a motorcycle without one in Florida. But while legal, it’s still not advisable or even sane to do so. This may not have been preventable, but it could have been potentially mitigated with the use of a helmet. You’re already taking a chance just getting on one; at least cover some of the risk with some form of protection.
Urban Meyer on Guilford:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Michael Guilford,” UF coach Urban Meyer said in a statement released by the school’s sports information office. “He was an outstanding, quality young man that was loved, respected and admired by all of us. His unselfish efforts on helping his teammates getting ready to play every week were only a glimpse of the person he was. We pray that God’s blessing be with Michael’s family, friends and teammates during this sad and difficult time.”
We wish their families the same.
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18
I don’t know whether to be sad or angry about this, but it’s important to remember that two young lives were put out here. I’m sure to many grieving people today, Ashley was more than an “also killed.”
Comment by The Big Dog — October 13, 2007 @ 12:09 pm
17
Terrible tragedy…I also wish ESPN would correctly report on the player…he was not a DB, he was the scout team QB…insulting to not fact check a story before running it
Comment by Jarvis — October 13, 2007 @ 9:33 am
16
Godspeed, Michael and Ashley. Its a shame that two young lights were extinguished so early. Condolences to their families also. Go Gators.
Comment by Irwin Fletcher — October 13, 2007 @ 8:04 am
15
My heart goes out to their families. I’ve spoken to a couple players throughout the day, and they’re all grieving too. The guys on the scout team get little respect from the media, fans, &c., but to the guys on the team, they’re invaluable. Not that this wouldn’t be sad if he wasn’t on the team, but the guys on the team are hurting right now. The Gator Nation mourns with the family, friends, and players. Go Gators.
Comment by Cameron Siggs — October 12, 2007 @ 10:32 pm
14
Truly a tragedy. Prayers sent from DawgNation.
Comment by Warthen — October 12, 2007 @ 10:21 pm
13
We drove to the UF game from Auburn. Being a bike rider I noticed the no helmet law, I guess if you don’t want to wear one it’s your choice. But a poor one I think. What a tragic loss , but it happens everyday. How sad.
Comment by Dr. Ed PHD.XYZ — October 12, 2007 @ 8:14 pm
12
Condolences to both the Guilford and Slonina families.I agree with # 5 and #11; that I am still here is more testament to the man upstairs not calling my number than my own doing. My grandmother used to tell me “The Good Lord watches out for fools, drunks, and little children. Just don’t try to combine any of those.”
She was a very wise lady.
Comment by Southern Papa — October 12, 2007 @ 6:56 pm
11
#8
I second that. There were too many times where,I , among others, have done stupid stuff like that, but I was usually alone testing the limits of cars, bikes , or whatever. I never did anything crazy with passengers or even to thrill chicks. 9 out of 10 times, at that time of the morning, and add underage,testosterone, and the college factor to the mix, alcohol is a 99.9% factor.
Whats sad is that two sets of parents are at home getting the news about their kids, and due to it being on a motorcycle, more than likely will be closed casket.
Minimum age for a motorcycle should be 25,period.
That wouldnt stop someone from getting killed, it would stop the underage kids from dying too soon. A friend of mine I worked with at UPS with was 24, still in college working on his masters, just got married, was a part time driver, decided to buy a Yamaha 1100, and then 3 weeks later, lost control on the interstate showing off for a friend of his and hit a pole @ 65mph.
The pole stayed intact. He didnt, and he was stone cold sober, just didnt realize how powerful the motorcycle was.
Comment by Mr Pelican Pants — October 12, 2007 @ 5:33 pm