Friends plan memorials, seek law on cellphone use to honor Kenosha cyclist
Devin Kunich was many things - jokester, romantic and a future police officer.
He had the ability to tell a good story and the desire to make people laugh, said his father, Gary Kunich.
An avid gamer with an incredible sense of humor, the young man told his father that if anyone ever had to plan his funeral, he wanted people to play Twister.
They did.
Kunich was killed on Aug. 7, while biking on Highway H in Kenosha County. He was headed home when car hit him shortly after midnight.
According to the criminal complaint, the driver of the vehicle, Quashae Taylor, had been using her cellphone around the time of the collision. She was charged Aug. 8 with negligent homicide.
Now, family and friends of Kunich want to honor him with legislation that would ban the use of hand-held cellphones while driving.
Scott Schoemann, 52, whose daughter was friends with Kunich, plans to help by directing the efforts of Devin’s friends in pushing “Devin’s Law.”
“He was a fantastic kid,” he said. Schoemann said he believes that this tragedy should be turned into something productive.
“I will give it my all,” he said of the legislation.
Devin Kunich. Photo courtersy of Gary Kunich
Gary Kunich said his son wanted to be a hero, and if Devin’s Law is enacted, it could save a life. His son’s legacy would live on.
“He had this unbelievable heart of gold,” Gary Kunich said.
In addition to the legislation, friends plan to set up a Ghost Bike memorial to Kunich on County Highway H, and would like to adopt that stretch of highway in his honor.
Megan Price, a friend, said it hurts to know that Kunich will not be able to fulfill his dreams. She doesn’t hold a grudge against Taylor, the 18-year-old that hit him.
Gary Kunich echoed Price’s sentiments during his eulogy to his son, knowing that his son would forgive Taylor.
Gary Kunich said he is overwhelmed with gratitude that people want to remember his son.
“He was touching lives,” he said. “That means a lot.”
3 Comments for "Friends plan memorials, seek law on cellphone use to honor Kenosha cyclist"
Modra Aug 16, 2011 8:34 AM
appropriate response. Inattentive driving is ALREADY illegal, which is why the
driver is being charged. It doesn't matter whether its a cell phone, changing
a CD in the CD player, or fussing with your baby in the back seat.
NickSchweitzer Aug 16, 2011 10:08 AM
Ritsuka4 Aug 24, 2011 1:22 AM