2008 Woodie Awards
Biker dies after motorcycle accident
PARKING LOT INCIDENT CLAIMS LIFE OF FORMER DE ANZA STUDENT
Sung Kim
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A fatal motorcycle accident occurred in De Anza College's parking lot B on Sunday, Nov. 5, killing former De Anza student Harout Mekhdjian.
The accident occurred around 3 p.m. Mekhdjian was 21. The accident was witnessed by four of Mekhdjian's friends.
Chris Barooni, another friend, told La Voz that Mekhdjian was riding back and forth in the parking lot, traveling at approximately 30 to 40 miles per hour. During one of his runs through the parking lot, Mekhdjian seemed unaware that he was driving toward a curb, witnesses said.
By the time Mekhdjian noticed, he squeezed the brakes, the brakes locked and he collided into the curb.
Mekhdjian was ejected forward and flipped over with the motorcycle landing on top of his body. La Voz has been unable to determine whether Mekhdjian was wearing a helmet at the time.
Foothill-De Anza Community College District police and the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office did not return calls from La Voz. Reza Kazempour, Business Manager of La Voz, was at work in L-41 when he heard a loud noise in parking lot B. He arrived at the scene and immediately called campus police.
A security officer arrived and tried to speak to Mekhdjian, but he did not respond. "He tried to get up [but] he was out of it," said Kazempour. Marisa Spatafore, De Anza's Director of Marketing, Communications and Development, told La Voz that Mekhdjian died while being transported to Stanford Hospital.
He is believed to have died from internal bleeding. "Our condolences go out to his family," said Spatafore. "Everyone thought it wasn't that serious," said Justin Dietrich, a friend of Mekhdjian's and his family. His friends and family expected to see him with nothing more than broken bones.
Barooni said that the owner of the motorcycle is upset because he feels responsible for the death. Barooni has not been able to contact him since the accident.
Mekhdjian transferred to San Jose State University two quarters ago and was perusing a degree in business. He also worked as an intern for NASA Ames and was extensively involved with his church and Armenian community.
"You don't know how much impact they have on you until they are gone," said Dietrich.
(Editor's note: The original version of this article incorrectly attributed comments to Leslie Casaje which have been deleted. The article also incorrectly stated that Mekhdjian was Iranian. He is of Armenian descent.)
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 9
Leslie Casaje
posted 11/13/06 @ 11:48 AM PST
Hi, I just wanted to point out that your sources and quotes might have gotten mixed up. There was a mistake in mentioning my name, as I wasn't the one who said the aforementioned information. (Continued…)
Marti Carlson
posted 11/13/06 @ 6:31 PM PST
Just a point of clarification, Harout was an outstanding intern and employee at NASA/Ames Research Center. He was Armenian and was "pursuing" a degree at SJSU. (Continued…)
Christian Valdez
posted 11/13/06 @ 6:46 PM PST
Harout was Armenian, and not Iranian. And by looking at the other comments, you should get your facts straight.
Anna Callahan
posted 11/13/06 @ 8:00 PM PST
What an untimely and unfortunate death.
I offer my sincere condolence.
Bonnie Harrill
posted 11/14/06 @ 5:56 PM PST
I just lost my son (who was a mere 22) June 12,2006 to a motorcycle accident . I send heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends..so sad so young. (Continued…)
John Yi
posted 11/16/06 @ 11:40 PM PST
My sincere condolences go out to his family. He was among the top students at SJSU... Harout will be remembered in my prayers.
Ani
posted 11/17/06 @ 2:51 PM PST
He is not Iranian, he is Armenian.
Ani
posted 11/18/06 @ 11:27 PM PST
De Anza college should not tolerate such irresponsible journalism, especially for such a tragic story and one that is very personal to the local community. (Continued…)
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