GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Atem Mathiang, 18, has been charged with reckless driving causing death in connection to the crash that left 21-year-old Jared Gossage dead. If convicted, Mathiang could face up to 15 years in prison.
"It hurts," said Helen Wu-Gossage, Jared's mother. "He’s a kid himself. He’s 18 years old, but he made a silly decision with a deadly weapon and then he took off from the scene and left my son in the road."
According to court documents filed in the case, Mathiang is accused of driving twice the posted speed limit at the time of the crash and accelerating quickly moments before the impact.
"The warrant was issued two weeks ago to turn himself in and he never did," said Wu-Gossage. "They had to hound him to turn himself in."
Jared's father, Dennis Gossage, said Mathiang needs to "atone for what he did."
"We’re hoping there’s some justice served here," said Dennis Gossage. "No ill will for anyone, but what you did to my son is a different story. If you would have turned yourself in, but you didn’t, so no not anymore. No remorse."
Jared was an avid motorcyclist, who performed tricks on his bike. He was heavily involved in biking communities in the area. A memorial for him at the crash site stands strong months later.
"It just blows my mind how many lives he touched at such a young age," said Dennis Gossage.
The crash happened on August 26 on Cesar E. Chavez Avenue SW in Grand Rapids. Police say a driver and passengers fled the scene after hitting Gossage with a vehicle. Gossage died at the scene.
"He was turning into a wonderful man and I lost the opportunity to see what he turns into," said Dennis Gossage, "That’s what hurts the most."
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