An 18-year-old motorcyclist, Orion Onigkeit of Cheyenne, was identified as the man whose fatal crash occurred on 15th September 2024. According to a report released by the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Onigkeit lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a building on East Lincolnway near Nationway at approximately 11:22 p.m, on 15th September 2024.
Authorities also speculate that the cause of this accident was the excessive speed at which Onigkeit was reportedly riding on the side of another motorcyclist, 23-year-old David Rutherford, before the accident occurred.
Onigkeit was pronounced dead at the scene. Rutherford, who remained at the scene, was not injured in the accident, but he also received citations for careless driving and for operating a motorcycle without having the license required to do so.
A fire broke out from the accident, and thus Cheyenne Fire Rescue also responded to the call for help. In addition, unlike initial police reports stating Onigkeit may have had a helmet on at the time of the wreck, the summary from Wyoming Highway Patrol later mentioned he didn’t.
This is the 20th motorcycle fatality on Wyoming highways this year, and five of the victims were Laramie County residents. This occurred less than three weeks since another young motorcyclist, 20-year-old Ayden Maitner, died after crashing his motorcycle into a building in the same area.
Orion Onigkeit worked at Discount Tire. He was always mechanically inclined and almost fixed everything around him. His obituary also remembered his enthusiasm for working on cars with his father, along with the talent of building intricate computer towers. He is also remembered for musical flair, as one transitioned from playing the guitar to mastering a wide range of string instruments.
A memorial service for the Onigkeit family and friends to celebrate Orion’s life will be held September 21 at Schrader, Aragon, and Jacoby Funeral Home in Cheyenne. The obituary includes his family saying “Orion had a quick wit and loved adventure with his dad, an avid gamer always creating memories for those around him.”
While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, officials have asked the public, including both motorcyclists and drivers, to remain vigilant as they travel Wyoming’s highways.
Add Comment