by Bea Peterson
A bicycle, painted white, is attached to a tree on Route 22 across from Baker’s Nursery. The bike is believed to be in memory of Matthew Ratelle, 39, of Petersburgh. On September 3, 2012 Ratelle was riding his bike in that area when he was struck from behind by a car and hurled 90 feet from where he was hit. [private]Though he was wearing a helmet, Ratelle suffered massive trauma. He never recovered from his injuries and died on December 20.
The driver of the car, Becky Goodermote, was originally charged with Leaving the Scene of a Serious Personal Injury Accident, Operating a Vehicle While Impaired by Drugs, Driving with a Suspended Registration and Failure to Use Due Care. Rensselaer County District Attorney Rich McNally said the case will be going to the Grand Jury very soon and he believes the charges will be upgraded to Vehicular Manslaughter or Manslaughter.
Meanwhile the bicycle stands as a grim reminder of what can happen in an instant. Ratelle is survived by his two children, his wife who is expecting their third child, his parents and several more family members.
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