Pregnant woman, baby, husband killed in Jasper Co. crash

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BY THE TIMES | Monday, November 03, 2008 | (51 comment(s))

A man, his pregnant wife and unborn child were killed Sunday night when the motorcycle they were riding on crashed with a van in Jasper County Sunday night.

According to Indiana State Police, the accident occurred around 5 p.m. at Ind. 14 and County Road 1000 W. near the town of Parr, just northwest of Rensselaer.

William A. Schneegas, 20 and his wife, Kayla Schneegas, 16 -- both of Mt. Ayr, Ind. -- were both killed in the accident, according to the Jasper County Sheriff's police.

Police said the motorcycle was one of three traveling together westbound on Ind. 14. At the intersection of County Road 100 West, Ind. 14 makes a 90-degree turn to the south.

A 1997 Chevrolet van being driven by Lucia Gonzalez, 16, of Fair Oaks, was traveling northbound on Ind.. 14 and failed to yield to the motorcycle being driven by William A. Schneegas, police said.

Gonzalez allegedly told police she tried to avoid the motorcycles, but struck the third motorcycle.

The force of the impact threw Kayla Schneegas from the motorcycle over the van and onto the roadway, police said. The van then ran over William A. Schneegas and the motorcycle, police said.

Kayla Schneegas was in the third trimester of her pregnancy, police said. The accident also caused the death of her unborn child.

The van was carrying three passengers, including Gonzalez's mother and two minor children. All of the passengers complained of pain and were taking to Jasper County Hospital, where they were treated and released, police said.

Indiana State Police, Rensselaer fire and rescue units and the Jasper County coroner's office assisted at the scene.

Jasper County police said alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the accident, but stressed toxicology results are pending.

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think about it wrote on Mar 2, 2009 10:27 AM:

" I was a friend of the husband. He was a great person and he loved his wife. Just because by today’s standards people now feel getting married young is wrong, or getting pregnant young is wrong doesn’t mean it is. My grandparents were eleven years apart and were married until they died. Age is just a number, if it would have been an 18 year old and a 22 year old would you still be so concerned about their age? The point is three lives were ended that day that could have been avoided. That is why it’s called an accident. Everyone involved could have done something different and this could have been different, but it’s not. You have to consider other things. Even if they would have been in a vehicle they most likely would have still got hit and could have still been killed so get of the issue of the fact they were on a motorcycle. You don’t know any of the situations to why they were married or why they were on the motorcycle. EVERYONE just needs to realize that things like this happen all the time. and we all just need to be carful. "

butterfly wrote on Nov 15, 2008 5:47 PM:

" those who are judging over the three deaths are wrong to point the blame on them. what about the one who cause it point the finger at them SHAME ON THEM. YOU DONT KNOW THE FAMILY THAT HAS LOST THERE LOVED ONES. "

ms wrote on Nov 12, 2008 2:52 AM:

" for all of you saying she should have never been on the bike because she was pregnat u have not right. im sure if they know something was going to happen on that sunday they would have never went out for a ride.and for thoue of u saying an unborn baby is nothing but a blob you are wrong you need to get your facts right. that baby was alive. i want to let the family know i am sorry for there loss. "

babygurl wrote on Nov 10, 2008 10:16 PM:

" ok u wanna know something "portage" "chesterton"& "dont judge" shut ur freaken pie holes about here being on a motorcylce and being preg...my god there is no difference being on a bike or freaken on anything else !!!!!!!!!!! it doesn't make her "inexperienced...ur so freaken pathetic !!!!!!!let us freaken grieve in peace and shut ur freaken mouth !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

to John F wrote on Nov 10, 2008 11:28 AM:

" Why are you against the rights of an unborn human being?

And why are you against the rights of all Americans to live in freedom and safety? Why do you stand there and cheer when our brave soldiers go off to fight to protect YOUR freedom and safety?

Why can't you think beyond the usual liberal mantras and hatred? Why do think that 4000 brave volunteer soldiers who died protecting your freedom are more important than 50 million innocent human baby girls and boys who did nothing to deserve death?

Why do you hate the troops and America? "

Nicky wrote on Nov 9, 2008 8:06 PM:

" Kayla was on the motorcycle because she was tired of sitting at home.She is married at sixteen and him twenty because they were so inlove that the judge suggested it.it wasnt bills fault that she was on the motorcycle or that they died.the girl was going seventy when she hit them.nothing in this world besides body armer could have saved them. Our families are both a mess and you guys saying why was she on the bike and sayin stuff about their age isnt the issue.they loved eachother they died together that brought us all some peace. "

to RH wrote on Nov 8, 2008 10:14 PM:

" Thank you for your comment. It was one of the most calming comments to read, easiest to read. I won't judge those whom have judged my family or their ways, God will be the one to make the final judgment. "

John F wrote on Nov 8, 2008 2:26 PM:

" To "unborn child", Thank You so much for helping laugh this afternoon! You Anti-Abortion people are all the same. Your all about the rights of an unborn fetus but once they are born, you stand there and cheer and say they are sent off to die in an illegal war.
I would think that you would be able to see how ironic and hypocritical that is, but then again, I would not expect you to actually do anything "thinking". "

To Um wrote on Nov 8, 2008 2:24 PM:

" When tragedy happens to you/your family member.If it has to do with something that the you/yours enjoyed to do,but others can't see the sence in it or the reason it was being done at all,but you/yours loved to do it.The public will comment on the supidity of,or the neglect of,or just be blatantly rude for no reason, and you/yours are forced to read the comments.You just might understand.Hopefully Tom "

Um wrote on Nov 8, 2008 9:49 AM:

" Last time I checked this was a discussion page NOT the guest book. People have every right to get on here and say as they please whether you agree with it or not. You also have the right not to read. So please do not get on here and tell me people how to act. "

Rh wrote on Nov 8, 2008 7:32 AM:

" Hey I would like to say I'm sorry to both familys. yep she was having a baby and she was on a motorcycle she wanted to be with her husband that makes her a bad person she couldof walked out side and got hit .motorcycle are not woung people don't pay attencene to what they are doing. "

Jo wrote on Nov 7, 2008 4:50 PM:

" I have known Kayla's Mom and Dad for over 20 years. This was a horrible tradgedy, Kayla was one of the sweetest girls. To Portage and anyone else, please think before you open your mouth. She loved her baby, The speed of the van sent up and over it. I hope that you realize you and many others don't know the entire story, so please stop being ignorant. 2 families are grieving and they really don't need ignorant comments from people that have NO idea the LOSSES they have had. "

just me wrote on Nov 7, 2008 11:59 AM:

" Where in the article did it state they were not wearing helmets??? I just read it again and still did not see that statement. "

Michelle wrote on Nov 7, 2008 11:10 AM:

" Please keep this family in your prayers. Its easy to point the finger and be judgemental. This family has went home to the good LORD and no one can change that fact. May GOD bless the people involved. "

Funny wrote on Nov 7, 2008 8:40 AM:

" It's funny how the 16-year-old driving is young and immature and has no business driving...however a married 16-year-old is old enough to have a baby? Where is the logic in that? At 16 according to some of you, that is too young to drive however old enough to be responsible for a child's life? And I know that they passed away, but what about the fact that her husband is 20? Aren't there some kind of laws regarding that? I would like to think that a 20-year-old would have some common sense and ask his wife to wear a helmet...IN CASE something happens. You know at least for the sake of the baby.

Also, I understand that not all deaths on motorcycles are head trauma but a good majority of them are. If we are forced to wear seatbelts whether we like it or not shouldn't they be forced to wear helmets? Especially a 16-year-old child? She might have been mature enough to lay down with a man and marry him but not mature enough to use safety? I am not trying to attack her personally but I truly believe that this stuff could be avoided...on both ends. "

A FRIEND wrote on Nov 6, 2008 11:45 PM:

" Some of you are so crude in your comments. You don't know these two families who have lost 3 members of thier families.

You do not know the children's stituation. Also if you would take a moment and maybe read Bill's Obit you will find out he loved the Open Road and motorcycling. Stop being so judgmentally of thier decisions.

And far as I know there is no law against a pregnant woman riding a motorcycle.

I was at the funeral home for these 3 very special people and I loved how both families came together and all 3 of them were dressed in thier Harley gear.

My prayers are with all of you. "

MaryK wrote on Nov 6, 2008 4:40 PM:

" where does it say you can't ride on a motorcylce when your pregnant? Whats wrong with you thinking you can't!!! Get a life, the poor girl is gone, and so is her baby, and it wasnt her fault!!!
People are so crude!!! "

unborn child killed wrote on Nov 6, 2008 2:39 PM:

" I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the families of the 3 people who died...the baby, the mother and the father.

But I don't understand the phrase in the article, "...unborn child were killed".

I thought the unborn children had no rights, they were just blobs of tissue and they didn't matter? Why are people so sad when one baby in the womb dies? I thought we just just look the other way when a baby in the womb dies?

Abortion promoters like Obama are responsible for 50 million similar deaths of unborn children in the womb. Where is their news story? "

Um.... wrote on Nov 6, 2008 9:27 AM:

" Why was a pregnant woman on a motorcycle?? "

To John wrote on Nov 5, 2008 6:54 PM:

" To John: Just as an fyi--the third trimester means that a woman is between 7 months and 9 1/2 months pregnant. I feel as badly for the girl driving as I do the family of the deceased teenagers/their unborn child. She has to live everyday for the rest of her life with the mistake that she and many of us make while driving, and were lucky enough NOT to kill anyone. I ran a red light on accident a few months ago with my Mom in the car. I didn't even notice til my Mom yelled at me and I'm in my 30's! It can happen to anyone. Can you imagine how terrible this girl feels? My prayers go out to both families. "

Family Friend wrote on Nov 5, 2008 3:50 PM:

" TO Lowell Res. comment: Helmet laws would not be any more effective than seat belt laws. Regardless of having the seat belt law EVERYDAY people get tickets for not wearing them and the same would happen with helmet laws. Its the riders responsiblity and choice whether or not to wear them. And you'd be surprised how many deaths from motorcycle accidents ARE NOT caused by head trauma, such as this one. "

LV town wrote on Nov 5, 2008 1:03 PM:

" I use to be neighbors of Donna and Kenny and the 3 girls. I dont know them on a personal basis however my mom does and she says the same, they are wonderful people who are going through a terrible tragedy and need prayer. So pray for them and Kayla's husbands family. They have a long healing road ahead of them and need nothing but support. May God be with you all and get you through these days to come. "

Are you kidding wrote on Nov 5, 2008 12:05 PM:

" To Don't Judge: Seriously? You are comparing riding on a motorcycle to exercising? Please, give me the name of ANY doctor that would tell a woman in her 8 month of pregnancy to ride on the back of a motorcycle. I'd like to hear his/her explanation for this. Doing light exercising during pregnancy is GOOD for both the mother and the baby. Somehow riding on the back of a motorcycle is not the same thing.

Too often in the past few months we have been reading about tradegies with young people like this one. These kids just don't get the responsibility of driving a car. And too often we are writing in saying "God bless this person and our hearts go out to that person." Maybe it is time to start judging. It won't bring the person(s) back but maybe it will send a message out to the next 16 year old who drives too fast around a curve, blows a stop sign or rides on the back of a motorcycle while pregnant. Parents need to step up and start parenting their kids about the HUGE responsibilities of driving. "

terry wrote on Nov 5, 2008 11:38 AM:

" there is no worst a tragedy that can befall a family than to lose their child,in this case an unborn grandchild was also lost simultaineously.
i happen to know kayla's parents and they are wonderful folks and always pleasant,and respectful.
so please show them some respect also,and leave the judgements,accusations,and theories alone,during this mournful time.
this has beeen an awful tragedy,and the most human thing we can do is to pray for both families and hug and appriciate our own.
life is a fleeting thing,and a fragile one,but "for the grace of god,there go i".

sending heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences to donna,and kenny,and williams parents and families

and wishing,that your many fond memories of kayla and william outweigh,and outlast your sorrows.

God speed bill and kayla.

sincerly-
terry,adam,georgia,shannon,janie,and all your saddened roselawn friends. "

Whos Judging wrote on Nov 5, 2008 10:31 AM:

" I'm so tired of PC obsessed people letting their hearts get in the way of their brains. No one is judging this poor girl or her family. Do you know how terrible tragedies like this one can be prevented? By having the courage to point out obvious things, like that 8 month pregnant women probably shouldn't be cruising around on motorcycles! If you want to honor her, do it by helping other young men and women avoid situations like this!!!! "

Dont Judge wrote on Nov 5, 2008 10:01 AM:

" There is nothing wrong with being on a motorcycle when you are pregnant. They tell you if you exercised before pregnancy go ahead and continue. The same with riding. You don't have to change your activities just because you are preganant. If your body is used such activities, keep them going. "

Jay wrote on Nov 5, 2008 8:53 AM:

" Such a terrible shame! My heart, thoughts and prayers are with the families! "

CP MOM wrote on Nov 5, 2008 6:55 AM:

" I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS MY HEARTFELT AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ALL INVOLVED. TO THE FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES. AND TO THE YOUNG DRIVER. THIS IS SUCH A TRAGEDY FOR HER AS WELL. MAY YOU ALL FIND COMFORT IN KNOWING PEOPLE HAVE YOU IN THEIR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. "

Hannah wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:45 PM:

" i live right down the street from kayla. up untill a few weeks ago i saw here everyday on the bus. it is strange to think she is gone along with her unborn child. her husbond had plans for here and the baby. i know i should not judge but kayla should not have been on a motorcycle being eight months pergnant. whats done is done and i know the halls will not be the same at north newton with out her. the whole king and Schneegas family will be in my prayers. "

Michelle wrote on Nov 4, 2008 1:17 PM:

" I happen to know the sister of the girl involved killed in this tragedy. This is a SAD situation.
Who are we to judge? We are sitting on our nice cozy computers writing what we think and there are two families out there that will NEVER be the same.
Could you just say a prayer for these people?
Could you put a word of encouragement?
Either side of this tragedy has family that is feeling awful. How could YOU make them feel worse??????
THINK BEFORE YOU WRITE SOMETHING!!! PLEASE!!!!
What if it were your brother, sister, child???? Would you be saying the same things? "

to portage wrote on Nov 4, 2008 12:34 PM:

" The story says "The van was carrying three passengers, including Gonzalez's mother and two minor children" NOTE THE PART WHERE IT SAYS HER MOTHER WAS A PASSENGER...

I love how almost every time I bother reading comments, 9 times out of 10 someone didn't read the entire story before posting.

My sympathies to both families. This is just a tragic, tragic story. "

Lowell Resident wrote on Nov 4, 2008 10:23 AM:

" If the law can force people to wear a Seat Belt, why can't it seem to enact Helmet Laws? In almost every motorcycle crash, head trauma is the leading cause of death. Yet we are forced by law to wear seat belts and not helmets.

And every time I was ever pulled over for a Seat Belt, I was told by the officer "It is for your safety, the State of Indiana is concerned for your safety". So where are they with a helmet law? Seat belts on school busses.?

It's a backwards, FLAWED logic. Helmets are required in Indiana for riders 17 and younger by law. Illinois has NO requirements. More than 80 percent of all reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death to the motorcyclist. Head injury is a leading cause of death and serious injury in motorcycle crashes, which is why helmets that meet or exceed federal safety standards should always be worn.

Research studies show that motorcycle helmets are 29 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries and 67 percent effective in preventing serious brain injury. "

beulah wrote on Nov 4, 2008 9:39 AM:

" My heart goes out to all those in both families. I'm also glad that this report recognizes that an unborn baby is a child. Many in our country would not acknowledge that. May God comfort all involved in this tragedy. "

I didnt notice any judging wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:29 AM:

" No one is blaming the girl on the motorcycle. Rtaher, posters are surprised that she, who was in her third trimester, was on the motorcycle at all. If no one makes the comment, people will not realize that there is something potentially dangerous with that. If it escapes comment, it becomes a common everyday occurance. In this day and age where parenting skills are lacking, big deals need to be made of things that should not have happened to show others how to escape the same fate. That poor girl and her child. "

SL wrote on Nov 4, 2008 7:05 AM:

" I too do not understand a 16 year old pregnant woman on a motorcycle, but then I am 60 yrs old with much longer life experience. I might have done the same thing back then because we do not think anything is going to happen to us at that age. As for the 16 year old driving the van, she is not the first person to make a mistake driving, there are a lot of older people doing the same thing. That is why they are called accidents. If you have never make a mistake while driving then you are a saint, and I don't really know anyone that fits that discription. My prayers go out to both families. "

Author Debbie Ludwig-Galich wrote on Nov 4, 2008 6:46 AM:

" In the first place people it doesn't matter if the woman was pregnant or not, she was just the passenger.

Second of all, there were three lifes taken from this world, dont you think thats what you should be thinking about.

What you need to do is pray for the family's who has lost their loved ones and pray for the young girl who will have to live with this for the rest of her life.

You are no one to judge, only God, himself can judge!

I send my heartfelt condolences to everyone in this tragic event. May God bring comfort to you all! "

Jacki wrote on Nov 4, 2008 12:25 AM:

" Three lives taken in an instint. What a tragedy! My sympathies go out to the families. I know that they all in a better place. They are Angels in Heaven looking down upon their loved ones. "

Dont Judge wrote on Nov 3, 2008 11:46 PM:

" First of all, who are we to judge the mother for riding on the back of the motorcycle. We dont kno anything about the circumstances leading up to her getting on the motorcycle.
Second of all, in regard to 16 year olds being inexperienced drivers and not being allowed to drive without an adult, who's to say it wouldn't have happened with an adult in the car or even with an adult driving. None of you can predict the future. I feel that it's hypocritical. You were all 16 once and you were probably all thrilled to drive! How would you feel if someone said this about you after one mistake. And not all 16 year olds were bad drivers. When I was 16, my driver's ed teacher at Certified Driving School in Highland told me that I was a better driver then some of the older people he knew. Age had nothing to do with it. It's all about common sense and how you use it.
Instead of judging, we should both celebrate and mourn the lives of those who lost them. This girl was obviously trying to do the right thing. Sure shewasyoungandpreganantbutshedidnthaveanabortionandshegotmarried.Myheartgoesoutobothfamilies "

Dont Judge wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:17 PM:

" what i dont undersatnd is this...people who dont know these people are judging. She was pregnant and on a motorcycle...but now she is gone...judging her will not bring her back and you are in the wrong to do so. If she felt comfortable on the motorcycle so late in pregnancy then who are we to judge? Not all 16 yr olds are horrible drivers...yes the driver made a mistake and she will pay for it for the rest of her life. I would be worried about her. But instead of remembering these lost loved ones as good responsible people...you are judging them on the one mistake they paid the worst price for. So lets remember them for who they were...not the (stupidity) they showed. "

Very Sad wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:33 PM:

" WHat's the state law for minors driving in the state of Indiana?? 16 or 16 1/2 yrs old, isn't that a permit or are there some other laws that can justify a minor for driving privlidges. I also not only feel sorry for the loss of the motorcycle victims, but the minor child that was driving the van, terrible first lesson of driving. "

to all wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:30 PM:

" The people saying "Why is a girl in her 3rd trimester riding a motorcycle?", Did you not read how old she is?!?!?! Obviously inexperienced... Do we really have to question everything??? Can't we just give our condolences and move on?
Stop trying to be so perfect!! "

So sad wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:27 PM:

" As I sit here safe and healthy and my mind wanders to visualize the horror of this travesty I am griefstricken for the young wife, at 16, the young and immature husband as well as the unborn child. Also for the inexperienced driver, at 16 to have endured this, her life is forever changed. She will never be the same. I pray for her to heal and pray for the lives lost. May God comfort the families in their grief. "

john wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:22 PM:

" This is sad that people are on here passing judgement on these people. Yes I wouldn't have my wife on a bike at 3 months, but who are we to pass judgement. And this poor young girl that hit them is never going to forget this day. My heart and prayers go out to everyone involved. "

Tom wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:03 PM:

" Sympathy goes out to the familes involved.
Sadly the times we are living in with employment and the cost of living,some people use a motorcycle as a main vehicle.I understand the shock for some to say "oh my gosh why" but they were young and starting out,and most likely both loved to ride bikes.
Please don't lable them,pray for the soles of the family that just passed through this life and hope life in a place some call heaven is better for them, that they can enjoy together.
Pray for the 16 year old driver of the van and her family.A moment can change a life.
Explain to your children how life is fragile.Let them read this and hope they learn from the mistakes of others.
Life can change in a moment. "

melinda wrote on Nov 3, 2008 5:08 PM:

" I'm so sad about this story ...My heart goes out to them all ...what a tragedy that such a young family is taken from us so fast...My prayers are with the families "

Why wrote on Nov 3, 2008 4:45 PM:

" Why is a girl in her third trimester riding on a motorcycle? "

Portage wrote on Nov 3, 2008 4:23 PM:

" There are so many things wrong with this picture. First and foremost, what is a woman in her 3rd trimester of pregnancy doing riding a motorcycle in the first place? This shows blatant disregard for the life of an unborn child. Secondly, a 16-year old should not have been driving a van with all those passengers. 16-year olds are grossly inexperienced and should be made to drive with a licensed driver (only) whenever possible. Thirdly, the husband of the pregnant woman and father of this unborn child should never have let his wife board a motorcycle in her condition. Again, this is blatant disregard (or stupidity) on his part. There should definitely be some charges filed in this unfortunate incident. The use common sense could have prevented all this. Tragically, only one of the people at fault is here to bear the charges. What a senseless tragedy for all involved. "

DJ wrote on Nov 3, 2008 4:16 PM:

" Very sad situation for the victims' families and the van driver. I honestly don't think I've ever seen a noticably pregnant woman on a motorcycle. I also can't imagine being married at age 16... May God bless all of the people involved. "

jen wrote on Nov 3, 2008 3:45 PM:

" Why was this girl in her 3rd trimester riding on the back of a motorcycle???? Such a tragic shame. "

Chesterton wrote on Nov 3, 2008 11:37 AM:

" Oh my gosh! The mother was in her 3rd trimester and riding on a motorcycle? This is so tragic. Both victims and the driver of the van were so young. Sad. "

Oh my wrote on Nov 3, 2008 11:36 AM:

" What a horrible tragedy. My sympathy to the families. "

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