x
Breaking News
More () »

Warrenton musicians, first responders unite after fatal motorcycle accident

A father and husband, JD Sinclair, was killed when his motorcycle was hit by a car Saturday evening. Tanya Sinclair was on the back of the bike and now faces months of painful recovery.

WARRENTON, Mo. — Les Cotner pulls up a video of his band, MindSpin, to watch his bass guitarist and friend of 15 years, JD Sinclair, cover a hit from Matchbox 20.

A father, husband, and former police officer, Sinclair was killed in a motorcycle accident this weekend, just hours after a gig.

"We were on the stage together," guitarist Phil Orf said. "Musicians around here are a big family. We all grew up together."

JD Sinclair and his wife were riding through the intersection of Strack Church Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway in Wright City Saturday when a car hit their motorcycle.

When first responders arrived on scene, they didn't know that they would have a personal connection to the victims.

Tanya Sinclair — a paramedic with almost ten years at Warren County Ambulance District — was on the back of the bike. She survived the crash, though she's left with serious injuries requiring months of recovery.

"We're very close-knit," Warren County Ambulance District Chief Tim Flake said. "We're a family here at the district."

A GoFundMe account set up for Tanya and the couple's four sons raised more than $6,000 in 24 hours.

Friends have also organized a charity motorcycle ride for April 13, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the fairgrounds in Warrenton.

"I think that a lot of peoples' lives have gotten a little darker with JD gone," guitarist Scott Wilson said. "I know ours has."

Follow reporter Sara Machi on Facebook and Twitter.

RELATED: Motorcyclist dies after crash on N. Lindbergh in Florissant

Before You Leave, Check This Out