Man Waits 38 Years To Buy Motorcycle, Dies Three Miles Later

Barry Strang’s story is a tragic case of being careful what you wish for. Since they were newlyweds, Strang would ask his wife, Pam, if he could get a motorcycle. Fearful of the dangers involved, she said no. But it was clear Barry had his heart set on being on two wheels some day. Finally, after 38 years of marriage and his retirement upon him, the stars aligned. 

Pam’s objections wilted, Barry found the perfect bike for him — a 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna — and he bought it on June 27. Ecstatic with his new purchase, and the chance to finally cross one item off his bucket list, he posted a picture of his new ride to Facebook with the caption “44 years finally got one.”

Unfortunately, this is where the success story turns south. Only three miles from the dealership, Strang collided with a tractor trailer, where he was ejected upon impact and landed underneath the tractor, sustaining fatal injuries. The Wyoming Highway Patrol lists “unfamiliarity with the motorcycle” as a possible cause for the incident.

For their parts, both Pam and their son harbor no ill will towards their husband and father’s decision, realizing this was a life-long dream for him, and he “went out with the biggest smile on his face,” says their son, whose name was not disclosed.

By Troy Siahaan