GLENDALE, AZ (CBS5) -
The family of a Glendale man killed in a fatal motorcycle accident is having a hard time understanding how two different drivers could strike their loved one and not stop.
Mark "Justin" Chapman, 24, was killed after falling off his bike and getting hit by a semi trailer and then another car on Loop 101 at Northern Avenue in the West Valley on Tuesday night, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Authorities said they had to identify him through fingerprints because he suffered severe head injuries.
Neither driver bothered to stop, but a DPS spokesman said the hit-and-run drivers left behind physical evidence from the 10:30 p.m. crash.
Malena Tautimer remembers her son as a rebel who caused her some trouble growing up, but a man who was fiercely loyal, intuitive and insightful.
"He was one of these people who didn't do anything halfway. It was all out or not at all," said Tautimer.
The spokesman said Chapman lost control and crashed in the middle lane of southbound Loop 101 in Glendale and was struck by the semi trailer. Witnesses said a teal-colored passenger car then went around stopped traffic and also struck the motorcyclist.
"What hurts so badly is that they hit him and they left," said Tautimer.
Chapman grew up in Glendale and became an avid motorcycle rider about a year ago. His mom helped him buy his bike.
Friends who used to ride with Chapman said he usually wore a helmet. Pictures from his motorcycle club show him with his helmet on. Tuesday night, when he was killed, Chapman was not wearing a helmet as he drove to Kelly Jilka's house, his girlfriend of four years.
"He always cared about everyone else before him. When he would give me presents it wouldn't be stuff that he bought, it would be stuff that he made," said Jilka. "He was the love of my life."
A car wash is being held this Saturday, April 28 to help the family with expenses. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at AntiHero Cycles at 7617 N. 67th Ave. in Glendale.
If anyone has information on the hit and run drivers you are asked to call DPS.
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Mark Chapman, Malena Tautimer
