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Connor PenhallOctober 24, 1990 - April 5, 2012 Rider Number: 81 Here is a message from Bruce and Laurie Penhall that they wanted me to pass on to all of you: We would like to thank everyone around the world for the outpouring of thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We have taken a little time out to read some of the postings on Facebook and other social media, and are overwhelmed with your love and support. During this extremely difficult time we are not up to taking phone calls or answering emails. We need some privacy to take care of and be with our children and extended family. We are having a private celebration of Connor's life for his friends and family. We really appreciate all of the lovely flowers and cards that we have received so far. At this time, in lieu of flowers, we would appreciate it if you could make a donation to Best Friends Animal Society. Connor loved his dogs and all animals, and would have loved this gesture for him. Their website is www.bestfriends.org and you can donate there or send a check made payable to Best Friends Animal Society and mail it to the address below. Our good friend Troy Lee has designed and made bumper and helmet stickers for his Supercross and MX Team to honor Connor. For a donation in any amount made to the Best Friends Animal Society, we will send a set of the stickers to you. Please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope along with your donation and mail it to: If you would like to send cards or letters to Bruce and Laurie and their family, please send them to the above address. mdnhavasu mdnhavasu@yahoo.com (April 9, 2012)
KTLA News 8:09 a.m. PDT, April 5, 2012 BALDWIN PARK, Calif. (KTLA) -- An investigation is underway after a worker for Caltrans was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver on the 10 Freeway in Baldwin Park. The victim has been identified as 21-year-old Connor Penhall, of Corona, who was working as a subcontractor with Caltrans. He was the son of well-known film and television actor and World Speedway champion Bruce Penhall, who was at the scene Thursday morning. The Penhall family owns Penhall Co., located in Anaheim, which does concrete cutting. Connor followed in his father's footsteps in the racing world. He had been racing motorcycles since 2003, wearing the number 81. His brother, Ryan Penhall, is also a motorcycle racer. He posted to his Twitter account at 1 a.m. Thursday, saying, "You never know what you have till you lose it.. Don't call me." The accident happened around 11:35 p.m. on the westbound 10 Freeway at Francisquito Avenue, according to the CHP. The CHP says the 10 is closed nightly between La Puente Avenue and the 605 Freeway. The closure had been in effect for about an hour when a motorist -- identified as 37-year-old Sakamoto Tatsuhiko, of Arcadia -- went through the cones. He struck Penhall in his Toyota RAV4 while driving about 60 mph, tossing him 50 to 75 feet. Penhall was declared dead at the scene. Tatsuhiko initially tried to flee, but officers were able to keep him at the scene, CHP Officer Edmund Zorilla said. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI and booked at the Industry Sheriff's Station. Tatsuhiko could also face charges of vehicular manslaughter. CHP Southern Division offered its sympathies to the Penhall's via Twitter, saying: "Our condolences to our brother Bruce Penhall and his family. Your extended CHP family mourns along with you. Rest in peace @ConnorPenhall." The westbound 10 was completely shut down at La Puente after the accident. It reopened around 6 a.m.
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