Rachel Nicole Berg, an 18-year-old woman from Arizona, faces charges of reckless manslaughter in connection with a March 12 traffic collision that killed 46-year-old park ranger Michael Clark. According to authorities, Berg was traveling at speeds exceeding 155 mph in a Chevrolet Corvette when she rear-ended a Harley-Davidson motorcycle ridden by Michael Clark, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Berg, who was 18 at the time of the incident, was arrested Monday and charged with reckless manslaughter. Her bail was set at $50,000. According to his obituary, Michael Clark was a dedicated father and husband who served as a park ranger in Tempe. He leaves behind a wife and two children. "The devastation is real and I don't know how we will ever recover from it," his wife, Laura, said.
The collision occurred around 10:30 p.m. on March 12 on U.S. Route 60 near Dobson Road after Berg's vehicle rear-ended Clark's motorcycle, which was traveling in the easternmost lane of the highway. The impact caused the motorcycle to toss Michael Clark, a former Tacoma police officer, onto a concrete wall along the route.
Berg, who was driving in the HOV lane, tried to perform CPR on the fallen biker but was unable to resuscitate him before he died, according to the police report. Authorities indicated in court documents that crash data supported Berg's version of events that she braked just moments before the crash. Speed data from Berg's vehicle revealed that she was traveling at a speed of 155 mph five seconds before the collision and 87 mph at the time of the impact.
Berg's family, who live in a $616,000 home in Tempe, expressed shock and sadness over the incident. "He always wanted to be a father and a husband. He was such a hardworking man," her mother, who requested anonymity, told the media. "And now this."
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities are still working to determine whether Berg was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. "I don't understand why they're not looking into whether she was drunk or high," her father, also named Mark, told the media. "That's the only thing that makes no sense."
Rachel Nicole Berg is due back in court on April 5 for a preliminary hearing. Her lawyer, public defender Michael Pascarella, has not responded to multiple requests for comment.
The incident has shocked the community and brought attention to the dangers of reckless driving. "It just doesn't seem real," neighbor John Doe told the local news station. "They always say it's important to drive responsibly, and now look where that got us. It's a tragedy."
Rachel Nicole Berg's case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of hasty and reckless actions on the roadways. It also underscores the importance of always wearing a seatbelt, abiding by traffic laws, and avoiding any form of distraction that could impact driving safety. "Every parent in this town worries about their child's safety when they're on the road," said one person, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "Especially with today's technology, there's always some app or notification that can distract a person behind the wheel."
The community is encouraged to continue supporting Michael Clark's family and to reach out with thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. "Our hearts go out to the Clark family," mayor Doe told the media. "The city stands with them, and we'll do everything we can to assist in any way necessary."
Rachel Nicole Berg's reckless actions have not only resulted in a tragic loss but have also brought attention to the need for safer roads and driver education. As the investigation continues, community members and authorities are hoping for a quick resolution. "We're all in this together," said another resident, who did not want to be identified. "Let's put the pieces back together as a community."
Rachel Nicole Berg, an 18-year-old woman from Arizona, faces charges for reckless manslaughter in connection with a March 12 traffic collision that killed a father and husband who was also involved in law enforcement.