Deer causes crash, killing motorcyclist

Mechanicsville man, 46, was father of three

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009

Francis John McDaniel, 46, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 6:40 p.m. collision, St. Mary's sheriff's deputies report.

Cindy McDaniel said Monday evening from the couple's home that her husband Frankie was employed at the Prince George's County public schools' bus route office in Clinton.

"He worked on the school buses," she said. "He was a diesel mechanic for 28 years. He had two more to go before full retirement."

The couple, married 19 years ago, had two daughters and a son, 16-year-old J.R. McDaniel. The father and son both were riding motorcycles Sunday, and were heading home when the accident occurred.

"My son was beside him, on his motorcycle," Cindy McDaniel said. "He's doing as well as can be expected. He's OK."

The eastbound 2002 Harley-Davidson ridden by the father struck the back of a 2007 Chrysler 300C driven by 20-year-old Mechanicsville resident Brieana La-Ryn Wood, who had slowed down to try to avoid hitting the deer, sheriff's deputies report. The motorcycle and rider fell over after the initial impact, and they crossed the roadway's centerline into the path of a westbound 2005 Scion XB driven by 41-year-old Gary Leon Cave Jr. of Mechanicsville.

McDaniel was ejected from the motorcycle, sheriff's deputes report, and the Scion overturned.

Sheriff's deputy Cindy Allen said this week that a check with emergency dispatchers indicated that neither the driver of the Chrysler nor the Scion's driver required hospital care after the accident.

Cindy McDaniel said her husband joined the Iron Horsemen motorcycle club as an honorary member about six months ago.

She said the club's fundraising activities to benefit children's organizations included a Toys for Tots toy run on Saturday night.

"He was a cautious rider, especially when my son was with him," she said, adding that the teenager had become a "mascot" with the club. "He was like their little brother," she said.

Cindy McDaniel said her husband was wearing a helmet, gloves and jacket when Sunday's accident occurred.

"He enjoyed camping, motorcycles and hunting," she said. "He was a devoted father."

A McDaniel Educational Fund is being established to benefit the couple's three children.

jwharton@somdnews.com