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December 3, 2008

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Flying Boat Kills Motorcyclist

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By Jeff Muniz

Story Published: Oct 11, 2008 at 10:35 PM CST

Story Updated: Oct 11, 2008 at 10:38 PM CST

A Kingston Mines man riding his motorcycle dies after a boat was thrown off its trailer on Route 24 Saturday afternoon. Authorities say a Glasford man driving a station wagon and pulling a boat hit a center guardrail around 3:30 p.m.

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The crash sent the boat flying off its trailer and into the opposite lane where it hit a motorcycle being driven by 37-year-old Bernard Faust. The Peoria County Coroner says Faust died about 45 minutes later at the scene.

Authorities say he was not wearing a helmet and an autopsy is scheduled for Monday.

Police say the driver of the station wagon, Robert Hartman from Glasford, says he blacked out. Hartman was issued a ticket for failure to reduce speed.

The crash closed eastbound 24 for a couple hours.

View Oldest Comments First

Monday, Oct 20 at 9:53 AM Nan Rudd wrote ...

To his wife, children, and family: BJ truly had the kindest most sincere soul of anyone Ive ever called friend. He will be most horribly missed but absolutly never forgotten. I will learn from him, to treat people- friend or stranger- with kindness.... and to laugh, to love and enjoy life. He was a great friend and an even greater man.

Monday, Oct 20 at 9:36 AM Nan wrote ...

those of you posting all of the negative comments ( about both families) should be ashamed of yourselves. I knew BJ, he was a great guy and lot of fun to be around. And if I knew BJ as well as I think I did, he would not want any of us standing around attacking the Hartmans family. BJ was always one to want to help when others needed it most, no matter the reason... maybe we should learn from him, to live our lives with such kindness and respect for other people.

Sunday, Oct 19 at 8:56 PM Mother of his Son wrote ...

I have loved the Foust family for 24 year and this ACCIDENT will not change anything

Sunday, Oct 19 at 8:54 PM Mother of Son wrote ...

I am the mother and ex wife of BJ. I have read enough of what people think happened. No one knows for sure. I know that BJ loved his children and wife very much. I have talked with his wife and others that saw the 2 together B4 the ACCIDENT I do not believe that they were fighting and so what if they were that is noones buisness. Can't you please stop fighting and posting negative things here. Let the family start healing. I know that my son reads this and cries everytime.

Friday, Oct 17 at 2:47 PM kevin wrote ...

does mr hartman have a history of blacking out or is this his way of trying to not lose everything he owns in a lawsuit?

Thursday, Oct 16 at 5:56 PM Friend of the Hartmans wrote ...

Who said that Mr. Hartman was texting? He doesnt even own a cell phone!

Thursday, Oct 16 at 5:35 PM Relative of MaryAnn wrote ...

Nice of you to call our family ignorant. It just so happens that MaryAnn's aunt (who does NOT lie) called and is the one who was told he was drinking and they were fighting. I really don't care what you believe or like. You are nothing to me. It's a tradegy BJ is gone , I also knew him and I know the Agee's even better than you. I do feel for Holli, Cameron, and MaryAnn. I hope she can find happiness again in the future. As far as the lawsuit issue, like I said, I know the Agees'!

Thursday, Oct 16 at 4:24 PM diana wrote ...

It is a shame that this happened and you are in my thoughts.

Thursday, Oct 16 at 1:44 PM Mary Ann.s mom,dad,&brother wrote ...

We just wanted to say that we loved B.J. too, we were proud to have him as our son-in-law, he was a good guy that worked hard and loved our daughter, and took good care of her. we were so proud of them both, working so hard to build a life together,a home together. our hearts are heavy for B.J.s parents, sister, children, and Mary Ann for losing the love of her life they were so happy. Everytime we talked with BJ he had us all laughing,we have good memories. We will miss him much.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 10:11 PM BJ's Mother wrote ...

I hope you know how disrespectful you are being to his wife (whom you are supposed to be a relative of), his parents, children, and other members of his family. Show me what kind of person you really are by letting me know who you are. I would love the chance to discuss some things with you in person.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 10:09 PM BJ's Mother wrote ...

To the member of Mrs. Fousts Family, it would be a good idea to get your facts straight before you shoot off your mouth. The issue isn't if he was drinking, the issue is that the accident was not his fault. If he and his wife were fighting it is none of your business, and by the way she says they were not. As far as a law suit goes, again that is none of your business. Next time you write something make sure you have the facts. Continued on next post.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 7:05 PM blondi wrote ...

to relative of mrs. foust i don't know where you got your information but let me tell you you are wrong. my husband and i were with b.j. and mary ann the afternoon of the accident. it was my motorcycle that he was on when he was killed. they were not fighting, actually they were quite happy. they had gone for a ride together for the first time this summer since b.j's bike has been broke down. so know your facts before you open your ignorant mouth.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 5:18 PM Holli wrote ...

I am BJ's daughter, no one knew what happened for sure..ok but if we can just have people out there good anough to say what they saw and we can fit the peices together it would make us so increibly happy and give us closure. and the woman or man that covered my dad up with the yellow raincoat thank you so very much it means alot and if you will tell us who you are that would be awesome!

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 5:16 PM bobby wrote ...

its never a good idea to do be reading or writing texts to someone on your cell phone, while you are driving, especially when you are pulling a boat and a trailer.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 12:06 PM KK wrote ...

BJ was a loved son, brother, father, husband, and friend. There is not a person in this worl that if they had met him would not love him. He will be missed! As for his family we r all praying for all of you. I knew BJ and loved him to death! He was the best type of friend a person could ask for.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 9:38 PM Friend of the Hartmans wrote ...

Ok. He did not choke on a hamburger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We still do not know why he blacked out! They are still doing test to figure it out. I was at the scene, I know what happened. I have talked to Mr. Hartmans family and they have told me that he was not drunk at that time. His son was in the car with him when this happened and said that Mr. Hartman was not exceeding the 55 mi/h speed limit for a car pulling a boat and trailer. I pray for both families.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 3:21 PM Unhappy wrote ...

Actually the guy driving the car with the boat did NOT have a heart attack. He "claims" he choked on a hamburger that he was eating instead of watching the road.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 10:29 AM Friend of Cindi's wrote ...

I agree that the helmet issue is annoying and sort of implies blame, however people would wonder, so news covers it. I don't agree, but it is what it is. I don't believe a helmet would have made a difference. Whether BJ was drinking or not is irrelevant. He did not cause the accident. It was just that - an accident. My heart goes out very much to the Faust family as to the Hartman family. We as humans want to place blame, but we need to focus on what is left. Two very devastated families.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 10:05 AM Kim A wrote ...

Everyone is telling what they thinked happened, but was anyone of you there to see it? Dont make assumptions it will prove you wrong everytime. These kids are going threw enough with out your thinking you know what happened People dont realize that the ones you are hurting are his kids thast are at the age where they only know they lost a dad and now your saying you think you know what happened. Would any of you like it if this was you and your kids where reading this.

Monday, Oct 13 at 9:29 PM Friend of the Hartmans wrote ...

Ok here is what happened Mr Hartman was on his way back from fishing when he suddenly blacked out. His STATION WAGON (not a jeep) hit the guard rail and the force from the impact threw the boat over the guard rail and hit BJ. The boat had all the neccesary straps on it and even an extra one. They did do a drug/alchohol test on Mr. Hartman and he was NOT drunk at that time. I pray for BOTH families. I know this will be very very hard for BJ's family, but also the Hartmans.

Monday, Oct 13 at 8:18 PM jhdnt wrote ...

I to seen the same thing as Dennis and I was on my bike also and the only person I had seen was a conservation officer I do believ it was a woman but whoever that was who put the coat over him must have seen a horrific site and they need commended for their kindness and trying to preserve some kind of dignity for this young man and concern for this young man.

Monday, Oct 13 at 7:18 PM Angie wrote ...

I don't think wearing a helmet would have helped. I don't know why that is even brought up. ABATE members are all thinking of BJ and his family.

Monday, Oct 13 at 7:11 PM BC wrote ...

Why does the media always mention when someone is not wearing a helmet??? This is one case like many with or without a helmet would not matter!! Who says the media is biased?!?!?!

Monday, Oct 13 at 5:34 PM RN wrote ...

First, if the driver was drunk, he would of been arrested at the scene for DUI and vehicular manslaughter after failing a field sobriety test. As far as the rescue personnel not responding until 45 minutes later,that is inaccurate. The victim would have been life-flighted to OSF IF there was even the slightest chance of life. The coroner is the only person who can pronounce someone deceased. Since it was 45 minutes after the accident but still at the scene, I do belive he was deceased already.

Monday, Oct 13 at 5:19 PM relative of Mrs. Foust wrote ...

According to the information we were given by the wife, BJ and his wife were arguing because he was drunk and wanted to take her car and she wouldn't let him so he took his bike instead. Maybe everyone should wait for the toxicology reports to see who is telling the truth. And, oh yes, I'm sure the wife's family will file a lawsuit against the driver.

Monday, Oct 13 at 12:41 PM john wrote ...

interesting information about trailers. thank you for the read everyone. sounds like a good story for WEEK to cover sometime.

Monday, Oct 13 at 11:43 AM Sheepherder's probate Dave wrote ...

BJ was a good man & will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Monday, Oct 13 at 11:03 AM Ron Melancon wrote ...

Another Boat Trailer Accident..http://dangeroustrailersaccidentsthatjust.blogspot.com/2008/10/unusual-accident-draws-attention-broken.html Note: The boat is 20,000 pounds... Again... The Pick up is most likely not rated to tow... also because no standards are in place for trailer hitches maybe that is why the boat trailer broke at the hitch.

Monday, Oct 13 at 10:58 AM Ron Melancon wrote ...

Please go here to view another person who was a Motorcyclist who lost his life due to these UNREGULATED TRAILERS..... http://www.dangeroustrailers.org/The_Gunter_Family.html Since 2003 to 2007 over 120,000 injuries, 2,231 deaths and over 340,000 incidences of property damage has been done to these passenger cars towing trailers. The industry with Carry On trailers have spent over 20,000 dollars to stop my efforts. www.dangeroustrailers.org

Monday, Oct 13 at 10:55 AM Ron Melancon wrote ...

I am sorry for the loss. Please go to www.dangeroustrailers.org This is the 3rd boat accident with a trailer I have this week. Please look into the condition of the trailer.. and car... was the combination over the towing limit. Are you aware that no federal standards are in place for trailer hitches. No inspections on trailers... anybody can build one... who made the trailer? Did the driver have any education on how to tow.... No standards for trailers under 3,000 pounds.

Monday, Oct 13 at 10:44 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Just to clarify to some of you, they are not allowed to clarify someone "dead" until the corner can get there and declare it. That doesnt mean that medical personnel were not there attempting to save him. Seriously people, give those who are out there trying to save lives a break. The news cant put every little detail in the article. I am sorry to the family for their loss; it is a true tragic experience. I am praying for your family.

Monday, Oct 13 at 9:23 AM Cindi wrote ...

I am BJ's sister, I want to thank all the people that have left comments here. Anyone that saw either the accident or my brother could you please contact me at kaine71@sbcglobal.net I am not looking for witnesses for a lawsuit. I just need to talk to someone that might have seen him, what he went through, I need to... I want to know, I need to know if he saw the boat,if he was still alive on the side of the road...who covered him with the yellow raincoat? I need to talk to that person..please

Monday, Oct 13 at 7:58 AM FLO wrote ...

HIS NAME IS BERNARD(BJ FOUST). HIS NOT WEARING A HELMET WOULD NOT HAVE MATTERED.BJ JUST GOT MARREIED 1 YEAR AGO OCT.6,2007.HE HAS 2 CHILDREN,A MOM AND DAD AND A SISTER.LET'S ALL PRAY FOR THEM.HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY NUMEROUS FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 9:54 PM Anonymous wrote ...

actually the guy driving the station wagon had a heart attack.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 6:54 PM Dennis wrote ...

I happened to be coming from Kingston mines minutes after Mr Faust was hit by the boat. The local authorities hadn't arrived at that point. Mr Faust was laying off the side of the road covered with a yellow rain coat, it was obvious he had been killed on impact. It was a horrible sight one I wish never to see again. The car with the boat was a station wagon, and the driver was awake at that point, but bleeding from his head. I was on my bike at the time, and I pray for him and his family.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 2:54 PM 9_29CITIZEN wrote ...

SMALL TOWNS KNOW THE TRUTH BUT WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR FACTS.THERE WAS NO JEEP INVOLVED,AND BEING DRUNK ? UNKNOWN. YOU HAVE GOT YOUR STORIES MIXED UP. YOU MAKE SMALL TOWN PEOPLE LOOK LIKE TOTAL IDIOTS WITH YOUR COMMENTS.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 2:24 PM Todd wrote ...

Its Foust not Faust.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 11:10 AM Kim A wrote ...

I'm really sorry to here about this and are prayers are with Faust Children.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 9:12 AM Soldiers' Mom wrote ...

Died 45 minutes later at the scene? What type of response time is that? It would have been obvious to the first responders that this was a horrific accident, and yet the poor man was still on the scene 45 minutes later? Not only should we pray for these families, but it looks like we should also pray for ourselves...

Sunday, Oct 12 at 9:09 AM toby wrote ...

can you say "lawsuit"?

Sunday, Oct 12 at 7:41 AM Bob wrote ...

He dided 45 min. later at the scene. Where were the rescue people? And I don't think not having a helment on was that important in this accident. When you get hit with a boat nothing is going help. Other then maybe an semi tractor.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 1:05 AM unknown wrote ...

the man driving THE JEEP FROM KINGSTON WAS DRUNK HE DID NOT BLACK OUT. SMALL TOWNS KNOW THE TRUTH YOU NEED TO HAVE THE FACTS STRAIGHT.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 11:32 PM Bryan wrote ...

That is horrible... my condolences go out to Mr. Faust's family.

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