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Harley-Davidson tycoon Bruce Rossmeyer dies in motorcycle accident
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Harley-Davidson motorcycle tycoon Bruce Rossmeyer, one of the nation's largest Harley-Davidson dealers, has died. He was 66.
Rossmeyer was traveling in the western part of the state in Sweetwater County on Highway 28 about 11 a.m. with five other motorcyclists when they came up to a pickup pulling a camp trailer and tried to pass, according to the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
"The pickup slowed and activated his left signal," Lt. Shawn Dickerson said. "Four of the motorcycles passed to the left . . . When Mr. Rossmeyer attempted to pass, the truck made its left turn and he hit the driver's side door. The sixth motorcycle swerved to the right and avoided collision."
Rossmeyer, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected from his bike and came to rest under the camp trailer, Dickerson said. He was declared dead at the scene.
Rossmeyer had attended a Harley dealers meeting in Denver and was headed for Thermopolis, Wyo., where he planned to meet a group of custom bike builders called the Hamsters, Grady Pfeiffer, a friend of Rossmeyer's and spokesman for the Hamsters told the Rapid City (S.D.) Journal. From there they were planning to ride to Sturgis.
Rossmeyer's wife, Sandy, and two of their children were waiting for him in Sturgis, Pfeiffer said Thursday night. In Ormond Beach, a woman at the front desk of the Harley dealership at Destination Daytona said, "The family isn't ready to make a statement. The media will be notified when they are."
Tim Curtis, owner of Houligan's Irish Sports Pub in Ormond Beach, grew up with Bruce and Sandra Rossmeyer's five children - Mandy, Wendy, Randy, Will and Shelly - and said his thoughts and prayers are with the family.
"He's a risk-taker, a pioneer and a legend," Curtis said. "But he's the biggest legend to his family. They meant the world to him."
Aside from his passion for motorcycles, Rossmeyer also had a heart for children. Whether it was contributing and helping to found Camp Boggy Creek for children with life-threatening illnesses or helping the Boys & Girls Clubs, Rossmeyer lent his time and funds to many children in need.
"He was a champion for kids here," said Joe Sullivan, chief professional officer for the Boys & Girls Club of Volusia and Flagler Counties. "He overcame some challenges and got in trouble as a young man and said the kids in the club remind him a lot of him."
Thursday was the beginning of the 69th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which runs through Aug. 9.
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