The Antelope Valley Times

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Palmdale woman killed in motorcycle crash

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Palmdale resident, Gail Klascius, was thrown from her Harley-Davidson motorcycle after colliding with a 2007 Mercedes driven by Ana Chavez. Photo by LUIS MEZA.

PALMDALE – A 54-year-old woman riding a motorcycle was killed Saturday night (Sept. 1) after she ran a red light and broadsided a car in a Palmdale intersection, according to a California Highway Patrol report.

The crash occurred around 6:48 p.m. at the intersection of Elizabeth Lake Road and Mesquite Road in Palmdale.

Klascius was transported to the hospital and pronounced dead at 7:30 p.m. Photo by LUIS MEZA.

Gail Klascius was riding a 2007 Harley-Davidson motorcycle westbound on Elizabeth Lake Road at approximately 50 mph approaching the intersection of Mesquite Road.

The second vehicle, a 2007 Mercedes, was headed southbound on Mesquite Road, but was stopped at the red light of the Elizabeth Lake Road intersection.

The traffic light for southbound traffic on Mesquite Road phased to green as the traffic light for east and westbound traffic on Elizabeth Lake Road phased to red, the CHP report states.

The Mercedes entered the intersection on the green light as the motorcycle continued traveling westbound against the red light, according to the CHP report.

The motorcycle broadsided the Mercedes on the left side, and Klascius was thrown from her bike. She hit her head on the roadway, the report states.

The sun was setting at the time of the crash and may have created visibility issues for Klascius, CHP officials said. Photo by LUIS MEZA.

Although her helmet was located at the scene, it is unclear if Klascius was wearing her helmet properly at the time of the crash, according to the report.

Klascius sustained blunt force trauma and was pronounced dead around 7:30 p.m.

The driver of the Mercedes, 58-year-old Ana Chavez of Palmdale, sustained minor injuries in the collision, including a cut to her left hand.

The time of day may have been a factor in the collision because the sun was setting and could have potentially created visibility issues for drivers traveling westbound, according to the report.

The collision is still under investigation.

Crash location.

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Filed Under: Palmdale

105 comments for "Palmdale woman killed in motorcycle crash"

  2. Stan, Jessica, Jillian, TT, Tim, Chuck and Tom;
    We were so shocked and saddened to hear of our dear friend Gail’s accident today. She was such a great friend, mom and wife. The world will not be the same place for me without her. I have known Gail since she was a little red-haired girl who lived down the block with her two brothers, Chuck and Tommy, and mom and dad. She was best friends with my little sis, and later in life, we became the best of friends. I watched her fall in love with her Stan, marry him, twice; begin a family of four beautiful children that she’d been yearning for forever and finally get her ‘dream house’ from the love of her life, Stan. She babysat my sons Billy and Eric when she was a younger girl. We lived next door to each other in Long Beach for a time. She and Stan lived in a nearby town, Camarillo, when her children were young and we hung out together by their pool with my granddaughters and her little ones. She used to call every morning as I was getting ready for work and we’d chat over coffee. Sometimes she’d stop by our house and surprise us with a pizza when she worked for Dominos. She loved chocolate more than any woman I know! She loved ANYthing sweet. But most of all, she loved her children and her husband. She struggled with many issues in her life, as we all do, and was always a warm, supportive and loving friend to me throughout the times we’ve spent together. She is a very intelligent and thoughtful person; she turned me onto books back in the 70’s like “Atlas Shrugged” (ayn rand), Hemingway, Poe and many others. Loved to write long newsy letters, that I loved to read. Loved to paint her nails all different colors and wear different colored sox before it became the “thing” to do. She was one in a trillion, there will never be another Gail. You will be SO VERY missed, my dear friend!!!! Our hearts go out to all your family who will have to go on without you. Love from Kerrie, Jim, Billy & family, Eric & family and all the “Heslet Girls”

  3. Two events coming. For the Celebration of Life Services, we will have a set date/time within next day or two. I am also organizing a charity run for the family, that DATE/Time TBD.

    https://www.facebook.com/TheLastMileCharityRun

    Thank you again for all the kind words, and memories. The family is strong and doing well. Each day gets a little easier…especially when they read your posts, receive the visits, and phone calls.

    • “Celebration of Life” memorial services Sept 22nd @ 2PM

      Desert Winds Community Church
      38117 13th St E, Palmdale, CA (x-street 13th St & Ave R)

      • Thanks, Robert. My husband and I would like to participate in the ride. Please post it on FB when you make the arrangements. Maybe the morning of the memorial, and then we can ride to the church.

        • Peggy, that is exactly what we’re doing. Still have yet to decide what time to meet up, which WILL be at Lake Elizabeth Road and Mesquite Road, then we’ll ride to their house, where they will join us and we will escort them to the Rock Inn where they had just had lunch the weekend before. From there, we’ll head to the church for the Celebration of Gail’s Life. Any questions please feel free to call me at 661-202-9233 (Cell) or my house 661-285-5648

  4. I am deeply saddened to hear that Gail is gone so suddenly. My deepest condolensces to Stan, TT, Jessica, Jill and Duggy. What a great wife, mother and friend Gail was. She will be greatly missed by all. RIP Gail.

  5. A biker, wife, mother,friend of Bill’s and many others…God needed you more…RIP…with love “Dreamer”

  6. I have worked with Stan for many years and we are all saddened for the loss of Gail…I remember the first time I saw her ride up to the dealership on her Harley, I thought it was pretty rad. The last memory I have of her was at our company Christmas party last year, she was dancing and smiling and having a blast. Tim, we are here for you and your Dad and family. We are all thinking of you and praying for you. Gail will be greatly missed. We will try and help your dad out as much as possible when he gets back to work! Stay strong and never stop praying <3

  7. Very sorry to read of the loss of a Mother, Wife and Motorcyclist and as well as the pain and sufferage of the Car driver…what a horrible thing to happen. I have been riding that area for 14 plus years…it is a bad spot for both. Very big loss for everyone.

  8. Ace, You need to get a life and stop commenting on every article written. People don’t like you and we don’t want your opinion.

    • Actually I’m glad Ace is here. He, unlike Gail, may play it safe, but just by reading what he has to post is an excellent example of the difference in the 2. Gail rode, lived and loved. Although she died to soon, I would argue that if you compare her life to Ace’s, she had a good life filled with joy, love and full of happy adventures. Where as Ace might of lived longer, but in a life that leaves him empty and bitter.
      So Gail had a better and more rewarding life regardless of how many more years Ace may have. An example of a great life lived vs. a sad life wasted. Pity the man. Not taking any risk means never getting any rewards.

      • Thank you Jacky. Well said. @QH Resident – You must have seen the other sad article yesterday, and ACE’s comments. To both of you, and to the many others posting, thank you for stepping.

  9. Oh Gail :(…. what a great loss. We will all miss you so. You touched my life and the lives of so many. Ugh I’m so sad. My prayers are with your children and family. (((hug)))

  10. So very sad to hear. Our prayers to you and your family. You were loved and will be missed. Till we meet again our friend. Ride on to Higher Ground

  11. My prayers & thoughts go out to Stan & the kids. I have known Gail for what seems like forever. She was a great lady & she will be missed by so, so many. Always be aware that we share the road w/ or Biker Friends. and as I say I LOVE ME SOME BIKERS!!!!
    My prayers also go out to the driver of the car.
    We all know Gail is now in Heaven riding w/ God!
    Love Samantha

  12. I am a woman rider and would LOVE to ride my Harley right up your ignorant narrow ass you waste of spACE!

  13. Stan and family,

    My humble and sincere condolences to you. The news brought a lump to my heart. Gail(Crazy Gail as Lisa and I called her) was eveywhere. We bumped into her all over the place. Stores, car shows and meetings. I love that girl. She will be missed by me and many others. God bless the family and R.I.P. Gail…

  14. I will miss you Gail. You were a beautiful person, and a great parent, and wife, and friend. You were always good to me and everyone who you were around. Prayers for your husband and children are abound. I LOVED YOU, AND WILL MISS YOU!!!!

  15. GOD BLESS the family in their time of need Gail was Loved through out her community and so were you as her family.She was a Wonderful woman.

  16. I’ll miss Gail. Anyone that knew her, knew she had a big heart. My prayers go out to her and her family. Thank you Gail. Thank you for just being you. :)

  17. Gail,
    we have known each other for many many years, talked out behind the meeting in the halfmeasures area, seen each other at the grocery store, always a friendly smile where ever we met around town, my sympathies go out to your children and husband. You leave me with a tear in my heart, you will be missed.

  18. I cant believe my dear friend is gone to heaven, knowing her she is probably riding through the clouds with God. I used to see her all over town , “there is crazy Gail”
    I miss you honey.
    I am so sorry for your loss, my prayers are with the family.
    Peace out
    Lisa B

  20. I would like to extend my prayers to the lady that was driving the car in the accident. Gail was my dear friend and she will be missed dearly, but I can only imagine what you must be feeling and I would just like you to know that I am praying for you to have peace and healing and know that this was not your fault.

  21. Gail, Stan and her kids have been friends of mine for many years. We have attended church together for many years and other meetings around town. I heard the news on my way home from Beaver, Utah, which Gail had attended last year. I truely love Gail with all her crazy kookiness and will miss her terribly. I am so very sorry for your loss and ours. Gail is one of a kind and she will be forever missed. Even though we know she is with the Lord and rejoicing it is those of us that are left behind to mourn. My prayers are with you J, G, T, Timmy and Stan and please know that there are so many of us that are here to support you through this terrible time.

    Love Judie

  22. My condolences to Stan and his children. All of you are in my prayers. Gail was a good wife, mother and friend and will be missed very much. And Gail, I agree donkeys do fly.

  23. I have known Gail since I got sober in 1983. I have rode with her numerous times and knew her to be a safe rider. Our prayers can only go out to Stan and the kids now. For you Gail, I guess donkeys do fly.

  24. O M G !!!! I’ll miss you Gail. She was a friend @ TJMAXX. She always had a smile when she walked into the store. I would tease her about her layaway’s.
    On this day, off another day. What a GREAT & LOYAL customer. Gail would shop for her layaway’s and we would talk about what was new going on. Her daughter going to college PROUD MOMMA!!! She sometimes walked in the door see me & say when is your break I’ll go have a ciggie with you, LOL and we did. I think I can speak for all the employees @ TJMAXX (Palmdale) she will be missed!
    RIP GAIL with Love from Sherri Mills

  25. Rest in peace Gail, you was such a great person. I did not know her outside my job, I knew her as a customer she shopped at marshalls. Everytime she came to the store she brightend my day. Such a nice woman. My heart and prayers go out to you and your love ones. The people who is making ignorant statements her family and friends looking at this. Take in consideration her family and friends are mourning for her. REST IN PEACE GAIL

  26. I am a female rider, and have known Gail for many years. We have gone on rides together, and had much fun. We never know what circumstances will arise, lights changing quickly, sun in your eyes. I pray for her four children, and her husband, Stan. This is a sad day for all of us.

  27. I HAVE KNOWN GAYLE SEVERAL YEARS..SHE WAS A VERY SAFE RIDER, ALWAYS WORE HER HELMET CORRECTLY AND ALWAYS ON HER BIKE…I AM ALSO A FEMALE SOBER RIDER!!!!!!!! SHE WILL BE MISSED, SHE WAS AND IS LOVED DEEPLY FROM SO SO MANY PEOPLE AND SHE MAY BE GONE AND TRUST ME WHEN I SAY “SHE’LL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN”. I AM SHOCKED AND AT A LOSS FOR WORDS…..MY CONDOLENCES TO STAN AND HER 4 BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN WHOM SHE LOVED AND ADORED……REST IN PEACE GAYLE…..YOURE RIDING HIGH IN THE SKY NOW…..
    PS@ACE I CANT LEAVE WITHOUT SAYING SOMETHING TO YOUR SORRY ASS,,,WTH ARE U TALKING ABOUT: WOMEN SHOULDNT RIDE? THATS LIKE SAYING MEN SHOULDNT DRIVE!!!!! YOU ARE SO INSENSITIVE AND NON-COMPASSIONATE HER HUSBAND,4 KIDS AND FAMILY ARE READING THESE!!!! DUDE COME BACK DOWN TO EARTH YOU ARE A REAL LOSER ITS SO SAD-WE JUST LOST A BEAUTIFUL HUMAN BEING, WHO HAD A LOT TO OFFER SO MANY AND WORKED SO HARD TO KEEP HER FAMILY; HUBBY AND KIDS, SAFE, LOVED AND ON THE RIGHT TRACK AND YOUR ASS, WHO DOESNT EVEN KNOW HER, COMES ON HERE AND STARTS TALKING A BUNCH OF CRAP-QUIT IT HAVE SOME RESPECT AND CONSIDERATION!!!!!!! RIP GAYLE K……

    • OMG! Margaret, I just saw this. I’m sooo sorry! She was a good person in all our lives. Cynthia & Rowdy Jones

  28. Sorry for your lost I was reading this news in the morning I didn’t thought anything about it until few minutes ago when my best friend Maritza call me crying devastated for the loss, life is fragile and my prayers are for the children.

  29. I am shocked and devastated to receive this tragic news today. I am speechless. Stan and kids, our love and prayers go out to you. I wish there was more that we could say to unbreak your hearts. We are here for you – today, tomorrow, forever. Lean on your friends. We are here.

    Dearest Gail, R.I.Paradise. You done good, kid.

    David & Shari Preciado

  30. Iv known the Klascius family for as long as i can remember and care so much for them. When i heard about what happened my heart stopped and i was speechless, my heart goes out to them. Im praying for them and will continue please do the same.

  31. Iv known the klascius family for a very long time and care for them so much when i heard about what happened my heart just stopped.Im praying for them and will continue please do the same.

  32. My thoughts and prayers to the family!! My hearts hurts for all of you. I know the pain you feel, and with time it will get a little easier.
    All you rude jerks….if you have nothing nice to say then SHUT UP!! This womans family (kids) are reading these comments, don’t add to their pain.

  33. My condolences out to the family me the wife and my kid just happened to drive bye thinking it was a fender bender as we got closer we saw the helmet on the ground, Me and my Wife both ride and our heart just dropped we stopped ahead and prayed for her hoping that all would b fine and now finding out that she did not make it so sorry for ur lose. The guy that was giving her CPR my hat off to you now i need to take a CPR class so if I am ever in a situation like this i can try to help someone in need. Peace

  34. I was one of the people that saw what had happend and called 911 as I ran to help, when seeing what I saw I became speechless and stanging their while 911 was giving Mrs Gail cpr, I was praying for her. I’am truly sorry for your loss. if Iyou need anything let me know. god bless

    • Thank you Lori. The family has been reading these comments and posts like your’s are greatly appreciated.

    • We live five houses down from where this happened. The light there is VERY HARD to see at certain times of the evening when going westbound. Living here, we have seen some close calls and have always prayed that nothing like this would happen, especially since this intersection also doubles as a crossing zone for the elementary school right there. I could not sleep last night PRAYING that Gail made it through this horrific ordeal, and to hear that she passed…. well, I am just sickened! I am so very sorry to her children and her husband!!! She was NOT alone~ people at the scene really cared about trying to save her, and all our hearts are broken!!!

  35. I heart goes out to the family of the woman who passed away in the accident. I also feel sorry for the driver of the car.
    This accident was avoidable. The motorcycle rider should not have tried to beat the stale green light and the Mercedes driver should have looked both ways BEFORE entering the intersection. Never assume the oncoming traffic is going to stop.
    I know that many of you will call me insensitive and all that crap. Go ahead. It is what it is. I’d rather have the car behind me honk when I hesitate before entering an intersection after sitting at a red light, than pull out infront of another car or bike.

    • you must just be plain freakin stupid to start out by saying your heart goes out to the family then spew that garbage afterwards. You are assuming that she tried to beat the light. The report says visibility bad per time of day. You are very ignorant to make a comment about something you have no facts about. This is for her loved ones she left behind…we were at the seen just after it happened before all the emergency personnel arrived. It was a bad seen, I wish we never happened by as me and my husband ride and it always hurts to see a fellow brother or sister rider down. We cried for her, said a prayer and hoped her life would not end that day. We are truly sorry for your loss.

    • God bless you Gail. I already miss you terribly. You always made me smile and you were true genuine nice person. My heartfelt condolences go out to your family..

  36. I have known Gail for 15 years. She brought the sunshine into a room when she entered. Our love to Stan and the kids. — Jill & Jon

    • Rest In Peace Gail. My deepest sympathy and condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with your Mom Gail, with you Tim and with your family.

    • Hi Tim, my name is Charlotte and my parents, dave and chantal nelson, were in the highlanders motorcycle group with your mom. We really loved her and she was an incredible lady. My mom just waited on her and your dad at karen’s kitchen yesterday. Our hearts truly go out to you and your family, we will be praying for all of you. Please let us know if there is absolutely anything we can do for your dad and siblings. My moms number is 661-992-7796, please pass it on to your dad and let him know that we’re here for him if he needs anything.

      • Charlotte honey, I know this was from the heart, as from the sound of it, this lady was a a well loved friend, mother and many more things to many people. And my sympathy goes out to all who loved her.

        But might I respectively ask you to contact the AV Times and have them remove your mother’s number?

        With some of the posts I read here, I imagine there easily could be more than 1 idiot or deviant who might abuse your sincere offer of help. Those who run this publication are very helpful when something gets posted that shouldn’t be, and will leave everything else you posted..

        Again, my thoughts go out to all that lost this lovely lady in what appears to be a tragic accident. And my thoughts are also with the driver, who I imagine is also going through their own sorrow.

    • Hi Tim Its Rodrigo, I work with ur dad. I’m so sorry for ur family’s loss. My prayers go out to ur family, I’m still in shock about the news. Ride In Peace Gail!!!!!!!

    • Tim n Stan, my condolence to you and your family. Gail was one of my bestfriends. She was so down-to-earth.. I have never seen her in a bad mood. Brought smile n joy… And she taught me how to budget my $. I miss her tremendously and will always be in my heart.

    • I’m so sorry, Bro. I don’t think I know your family, but my heart goes out to it. Words can’t express my sorrow…

    • Tim I loved you’re mom very much knew her for year’s I am very Sorry for your and your familys loss anything we can do please let us know.

    • Tim, I am your neighbor Bill’s sister. I am so sorry to hear about your mother. She was truly a special woman and will be missed. Bill is heartbroken, as he loves you all very dearly. Please if possible can you or your dad call him and maybe give him a ride to her memorial service? My prayers go out to all of you. God Bless.

    • Tim, let us know when your dad has made arrangements for your mom’s memorial service. Our love and prayers are with you and your family. Your mother was a very popular lady!

    • Call me anytime, day or night sweetie. You can get the number from your mom’s cell phone. I will always be here for you and all your family. Praying for you all through this terribly sad time. Hugs to you and all the family. Love, Kerrie

  38. Please lift the family up in prayer. Gail was a careful rider. And so is Stan. Thanks, Ace, for your words. That will do a lot to help the kids get thru this. Especially the oldest daughter who just started attending college and has 4.6+ GPA and the whole family had servant’s hearts and served in missions both locally and foreign.

    • we were driving past just after this accident happened and saw the paramedics administering CPR to the rider Gail it didn’t look good so I immediately started praying that the Lord would receive her soul . thank you so much for the confirmation that she knew the Lord. I will continue to pray for the family during this very very sad time. God Bless you all and may He in His infinite wisdom bring you through this.

    • Thanks, Robert for that good word. Praying for the family and for comfort and consolation from God himself in their loss of Gail. There are no adequate words to express my feelings, much less in a public forum. Love and condolences to son Tim and the entire Klascius family.

  39. I know that stretch of road, and the article is quite right about sun angles that time of day, the article fails to mention that folks tend to drive fairly fast around those parts too.

    I feel for the lady who was driving the car, gotta be a terrible thing for her too.

    • I was a driver in an accident just like this, and can say it is devastating. My thoughts and prayers go out to all involved.

      • I just want to say as the daughter of the driver, that my mother feels pain too. you dont expect to be involved in such a horrible accident on your way to work. It is beautiful to hear how much someone is loved and missed. My mom does not have family in palmdale or in california. she is simply a resident by choice and loves to live and work there. It is hard for her at this time as she does not have many to console her or to say anything good about her. i simply want to say my condolences to the family and that my mother feels pain too. Im sure anyone can understand that even being a witness to such an accident leaves a forever image in ones mind that could never be erased. i love my mother very much and wish i could be close to her at this time to be there for her aswell. gods prayers to the family and to my mother to get through this

        • Your mother is in our prayers too. It must be so hard for her, but I hope she knows it is not her fault. It was a terrible “accident”, and there is no fault here. Assure your mother to rest her mind, I know Gail well and she would feel the same.

          • Your mother must be in a world of mental anguish. I to hope that she doesn’t allow this accident to define her, and that her friends do their best to bring her comfort. Not a good time to be alone with ones thoughts.
            The harsh reality of life is accidents happen. We all need to realize how precious life is, and how none of us know when our time is coming.
            But this should NEVER be a excuse to hide. Instead we should ALL be out living our lives to the fullest.
            Those who leave this life with full dance cards, with many left behind that loved them, that spent their days with laughter and purpose, have truly succeeded. Regardless of the age they leave us!
            Please give your mother my best wishes. Never lose a chance to tell her you love her.
            And tell her to honor Gail with a life well lived.

    • Sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to those four children, hopefully they are older and able to cope with this devastating news. I know how hard it can be with the sun in your eyes. More than likely she probably didn’t even see the light change. RIP

    • I have never posted about a news article before, but Ace you are an idiot. As an off duty EMT (13 years on the ambulance and 6 years as an instructor),I, along with my 16 year old son, just happend to arrive at the scene moments after the accident happened. We were the only ones that began to help her while waiting for EMS to arrive. The 2 of us worked frantically on Ms Klascius, which yes did include CPR, and the whole time I did feel saddened and sorry. A life was lost. Someones mother and friend is now gone. For you to say, “And all the ‘Oh we’re so sorry our sad hearts go out to them..’ poseters here are just trying to seem like they care.” Well, Mr Ace, obviously my son and I cared, because I didn’t have to stop. I didnt have to get involved, but I did, because I care for people’s lives. No matter who’s at fault. No matter if they ride or not. No matter what race, sex or religion. That trait I honor and cherish and I pass on to my son and all of my students. God forbid the day when you go down. My thoughts and prayers go to the family and friends……

      • @EP – Thanks for stepping up. Thanks for your compassion and kind words.

        ACE, Shame on you. Your posts haven’t helped anyone, only hurt the family. Yes, they read them. Yes, it angered and hurt them.

        She and her entire family have been, and will continue to be a blessing to many.

        AND, I am looking forward to getting my next bike, and my first run will be in Gail’s honor. If anyone cares to join me, call me at 661-202-9233, or email me jcdisciple@gmail.com. Or Facebook me: https://www.facebook.com/robert.brady.jcdscpl

        You can also contact me about the memorial service. EP, would love to have you come.

        ACE, stay home.

      • Well said Mr. EMT, well said ……….and Ace you are an ass for posting something like that !!!!!!!!!!!!!
        This lady was one of my main riding partners, how insensitive and idiotic to say something like you did. I would like to meet up and have a talk with you one day!