BILLINS — Family and friends are remembering two men struck and killed over the weekend on Highway 212 near Roberts by a Carbon County Sheriff’s patrol car.
The tragic loss of 52-year-old Darren Shull has shaken those who knew him. Shull and 45-year-old Rockvale resident Jesse Beck were killed in the Friday night crash.
Darren Shull
Darren Shull
“When I heard about Darren’s accident I was at a loss for words. I’m still struggling to believe it’s real,” Shull’s friend, April Wheeler, said Monday. She met Shull four years ago.
“Darren was an icon in our community. He stood out in a crowd and was always helping other people,” Wheeler said.
Lucas Shull
Shull and Beck were hit by the patrol car around 10:30 p.m. that night.
“When I heard it was a tragic accident, that he was hit by a law enforcement officer, a patrol car, I couldn’t believe it,” Wheeler said.
A Marine Corps veteran, Shull was an avid cyclist and member of the Galloping Goose riding group. A 50/50 raffle was held for his family during the Beartooth Rally in Red Lodge over the weekend.
“Those who knew Darren loved Darren. And those who didn’t know Darren should know that he would help anyone, any day of the week,” Wheeler said.
MTN News spoke to a man who witnessed the crash. He spoke on condition of anonymity and said he saw Shull helping Beck, who had pulled his motorcycle off the side of U.S. Highway 212 when the two men were hit.
Jason Beck
Jesse Beck
“He was helping someone, more than likely a stranger from the county and state. A man with a great big heart and unfortunately it took his life,” Wheeler said.
The Montana Highway Patrol issued the following statement:
“This crash involved a Carbon County deputy operating a vehicle and two pedestrians. Both pedestrians died in the accident. This crash remains under investigation.
These claims are no answer for Wheeler and the rest of the community.
“I know we all want to know how it happened and why. Just for the sheriff to take responsibility for what happened and just answer,” Wheeler said.
Beck’s brother, Jason Beck, said he was an “old school” biker with a big heart. He also conveyed his gratitude to Shull for pulling over to the side of the road to help Jesse.
“He didn’t have to do that and he gave his life,” Beck said of Shull.
A Go Fund Me was made for the Shulls, you can visit this link on Fundraiser for Lacy Shull by Megan Fitzgerald: Family of Darren “Tazer” Shull (gofundme.com).
Add Comment