Motorcycle Club Leader, Singer Killed In Accident
Man Dies In Motorcycle Crash Nearly 12 Months After Wife Is Killed In Accident
SAN ANTONIO -- A weekend motorcycle accident claimed the life of the leader of local motorcycle club and heavy metal musician.
According to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, Victor Villarreal, 41, was killed when his motorcycle was struck by a horse trailer being hauled by a pickup truck. The accident happened just after 10 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of Potranco Road and Sundance Crest.
According to accident reports, Villarreal was attempting to make a U-turn when his bike got tangled up with the passing horse trailer.
Friends said Villarreal was trying to turn around to get back to one of his riding partners, who had broken down.
Jose Lopez, Villarreal's brother-in-law, co-founded the Sentinels Motorcycle Club with Villarreal a few years ago. The family-oriented club was often involved in fundraisers and other charitable events that benefited various community groups.
Lopez said Victor was heading out to get some pizza with two other riders when the accident occurred less than a two-minute ride from Villarreal's home.
"We know the risk that every time we jump on a bike. There's certain risks out there, and we try to watch out for those risks," Lopez said.
Villarreal was wearing a helmet when the crash happened, and Lopez said he often stressed safety to the other club members. He would even discuss other accidents with club members to make sure they could learn from others' mistakes.
This is the second time tragedy has struck the Villarreal family in less than 12 months.
Last year, on July 27, Villarreal's wife, Jessica, was killed on her 37th birthday while riding her motorcycle out to Medina Lake.
The couple met as teens and married in 1998. Lopez said in addition to their love of motorcycles, they also shared a love for music.
Victor was the lead singer of One of Sixx, a heavy metal band, and Jessica sang backup vocals.
The couple had a 17-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter together.
Family members are trying to help the kids cope with such a devastating loss.
"I think everybody is still numb at this point. We know what we need to do, but trying to get it done is difficult," Lopez said. "It doesn't get any easier that's for sure."
Investigators said the crash was an accident and didn't expect to file any charges.
Funeral arrangements are being finalized.
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