September 26, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement by Linda Rosenberg, president and CEO, National Council for Behavioral Health
We are profoundly shocked and saddened by a tragic and fatal accident that occurred Friday September 25th in Colorado during the Black Dog Ride, a cross-country motorcycle ride to benefit depression awareness and suicide prevention.
One of the sixty-five Australian motorcyclists, who flew to the United States for this important cause, was killed in the accident. Barbara Thomas 55, from Austalind, Western Australia died yesterday at the scene when the bike on which she was riding crashed. Her husband 58-year old Steve Thomas, who was driving, is in critical condition.
The accident occurred September 25, 2015 near Durango, Colorado, when a bush turkey impacted the motorbike the couple were riding, causing the crash.
Barbara and Steve exemplify selflessness in going so far from home to help total strangers in a foreign country. We are grateful to both them for their commitment to raising awareness of these issues and are heartbroken about this tragedy.
Our thoughts go out to the Thomas family, as well as their friends back in Australia and their fellow Black Dog Riders. We hope and pray for Steve Thomas’ recovery.
