Motorcyclist's death sheds light on dangers

AUSTIN (KXAN) - On Sunday evening, 42-year-old Sheldon Celedon was killed after his motorcycle hit a car on Montopolis Drive near Hogan Avenue.

The speed limit is just 35 miles an hour, but neighbors say it's still one of the most dangerous streets in Austin.
With an Austin Community College campus nearby, and cars cutting through to get to town, neighbors say the road is also very busy.

For years, neighborhood association president Danny Perez has been fighting to make the road safer.

"We've asked the city to put a [stop]light here years ago," said Perez. "So far nothing has been done. We even asked for speed bumps. too."

Neighbors say drivers rarely follow the 35 mph speed limit, and Sunday's accident wasn't unusual.

"This is the third accident this year. We just had a kid get hit here in front of the Family Dollar [Store]," said Perez.

Police say Sunday around 7 p.m. Celedon was cruising down Montopolis Drive when a car turning from Hogan Avenue slammed into him.

Police have still not released the name of the female who was driving a Dodge Stratus.

"I was probably about a hundred yards behind the accident," said Donald Miles, an eyewitness. "We had to stop pretty fast, and at first I didn't know what she hit -- I just saw the car and it looked like the front had exploded."

The neighborhood says they are now reaching out to the city again, and inviting city leaders to their community meetings to bring about change.

"Maybe they can sit down and help us to prevent this from happening in the future," said Perez. "This accident could've been prevented if we had a light or speed bump put in place. "

Members of the community have laid candles at the intersection to remember Celedon, but Perez says his work isn't over until change happens.

Police are still determining whether speed and alcohol played a role in the accident. Perez says he and 50 others will hold a candle light vigil Tuesday at 8 p.m.