‘Just ask for prayers’ ... Motorcyclist seriously injured in hit-and-run

The sister of a 31-year-old motorcyclist seriously injured in a hit-and-run said her brother suffered multiple injuries when he was struck by an SUV after he had stopped to talk to another sister late Tuesday near their home.

Julia Doerr said her brother, Josh Doerr of Pocahontas, had parked his motorcycle and was hit while he was talking to Jenny Doerr, who was in her car. They were at the Baumann Road and Keyesport Road intersection in rural Madison County about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday when Josh Doerr was hit.

“Jenny was coming home and Josh was going somewhere on his bike,” Julia Doerr said. “And we always stop when we see each other to talk.”

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said the SUV driver was arrested shortly after the crash. This motorist’s name was not released and authorities said charges are pending.

Josh Doerr was airlifted to St. Louis University Hospital and is in a coma, Julia Doerr said. He has a broken back, two collapsed lungs and had to have his right kidney removed, his sister said.

This is the second serious crash the Doerr family has had to endure this year. Julia Doerr said her father was injured in a crash in April but he has been able to return to work.

When asked for a comment to sum up what the Doerr family is going through, she said: “Just ask for prayers.”

Highland-Pierron Fire Department Chief Steve Plocher said multiple agencies responded crash site. The intersection is located close to the Clinton County line.

“The other car came past and hit the motorcycle and left the scene of the accident, also,” Plocher said.

The fire chief said the motorcycle was pushed 50 yards south on Baumann Road. Josh Doerr was the only person injured in the collision.

Plocher said the driver of the other vehicle, an SUV, was taken into custody in Clinton County. Authorities did not specify where the SUV driver was located when taken into custody.

Capt. Will Dimitroff of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office said the SUV driver was taken into custody shortly after the crash.

Crews from Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, St. Rose Fire Department, Highland EMS and Arch Helicopter also assisted.

This story was originally published August 17, 2016 at 12:31 PM with the headline "‘Just ask for prayers’ ... Motorcyclist seriously injured in hit-and-run."