Photo from 11:40 (band) Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/1140/191236354249654
On the night of April 27th, Casey Sparks was riding home from the Denton Arts & Jazz fest when he had a solo bicycle accident on Locust, near the North Branch Library. He passed away six days later on May 3rd. The police did not file a report, and the accident details are a bit vague, so I’m waiting to hear back from the Fire Department.
This tragedy marks the first bicycle-related loss in Denton since 2005.
Casey played drums in the band 11:40, and they’re hosting a memorial at Banter on Friday, May 18th from 6-8PM and a benefit show at Andy’s from 9PM-2AM.
Without knowing Casey, I can say that he left a big impression on everyone who knew him. One of Querencia’s dedicated shop coordinators, Nate, got into bikes because of Casey. To quote someone’s epitaph from the BikeDenton Facebook wall:
Permanent sad face, he was one of my favorite people in this damn world. Nobody loved riding bikes as much Casey, we lost a great one. Denton will never be the same, without his smiling face.
Casey was one of the first people I ever went mountain bike riding with. When we were roommates we would load up our bikes and travel all over North Texas and Southern Oklahoma to find new trails. I will never forget his love of peoples’ “trash” he could always make it a treasure. He has always been a smiling face in town, I will miss him. Casey was a great friend.
Really want to know what the heck happened. R.I.P Casey.
casey, i didn’t know you, but i hope you felt my love on sunday. we lit a candle for you at church, in your memory and honor, and to light the way for all cyclists everywhere to ride safe. thank you for the positive impact you had on cycling in denton — you will be missed and never forgotten!
[…] » Texas Bicycling Blog and News Roundup for May 7th By Rick Ankrum, on May 7, 2012, 11:36 pm Casey Sparks, 1978 – 2012 by bikedenton On the night of April 27th, Casey Sparks was riding home from the Denton Arts & […]