Chelsea Josephine: 2008

Fargo police have identified the driver of a motorcycle who died in a collision with a sport-utility vehicle Tuesday in south Fargo.
The deceased was identified as Cody Wayne Lahr, 20, of Fargo. The driver of the SUV was identified as Sophie M. Kenney, 15, of Fargo.
Police and rescue units were called to the scene at the intersection of 25th Street and 30½ Avenue South just after 6 p.m.
The motorcyclist, a Fargo resident, was northbound on 25th Street when he hit a black Cadillac Escalade, said Fargo police Lt. Joel Vettel. The sport utility vehicle was westbound from 30½ Avenue and turning south, he said.
Investigators are considering speed and erratic driving as crash factors, Vettel said as officers took notes and measurements of debris scattered across the road at the scene.
Fargo rescue workers stand near the scene of a motorcycle fatality Tuesday evening at 25th Street and 30 1/2 Avenue South. The motorcyclist reportedly popped a northbound wheelie before hitting a Cadillac Escalade turning south from 30 1/2 Avenue.
Soon after the crash, the SUV was parked in the middle of 25th Street facing southwest, with the driver’s door open.
The black and blue motorcycle was on its side just footsteps away.
KFGO-AM radio news director Paul Jurgens said he was driving southbound near the 25th Street intersection with 32nd Avenue South when he saw the motorcycle speeding by. He looked in his rearview mirror seconds later and saw the motorcyclist pop a wheelie just before the crash.
“All I saw was the puff of smoke – it happened pretty quick,” Jurgens said at the scene. “It’s the first time I’ve ever witnessed something I’ve reported.”
Vettel said police were interviewing two juvenile female occupants of the SUV, who were not injured in the crash but “obviously shaken up.”
“We’re going to look at all possibilities,” Vettel said of the investigation, including eyewitness accounts that the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet. “I think this is a reminder to everyone you need to understand you need to drive defensively.”
Vettel said an accident report will be sent to the city prosecutor’s office once the investigation is complete. The prosecutor’s office will decide whether charges will be filed.
Authorities were working Tuesday night to locate the motorcyclist’s family, who do not live in the Fargo area, Vettel said.
Bill Carter, a nearby resident, said he’s witnessed close calls at the intersection.
“I think there should be signal lights up – you’ve got cars turning and they don’t use their signal lights,” he said. “Does it take someone to get killed?” he asked while pointing at the scene.
Jay McCrackin of Fargo said his brother saw the crash while walking in front of a nearby gas station and became ill.
“I just feel sorry for the family,” McCrackin said.

Cody Wayne Lahr

March 23rd, 1988 - September 16th, 2008

You were such an amazing friend, I am going to miss you so much. It still hasnt hit that your really gone. I will always remember the good times we had :) You made such an impact on my life. I am go glad that i got the honor to be apart of your life.
I know that you will be with us everyday. Helping us make it through every day.

When kelsey and I went out to eat we talked about Everything, from the first date you two went on, to the fun times eating pizza and you pretending to be Mike Tangen :) Awww Codeman, there are so many great memories. I wish you were still here. :( It doesnt seem far. You were only 20.

Well, This isnt Goodbye, just see you later. I love you.

We are all going to light candles for you in the park tomorrow night and talk about you and all the wonderful times we had.

I miss you ooodles codeman.