Roger Whisenant

In loving memory, Roger Whisenant "Road Dog", who passed away August 17, 2009. Survived by five children; eight grandchildren; fiancee; two nephews; two nieces; one sister; brother-in-law and many friends. A Motorcycle lover Loved and missed Greatly!

Published in Kansas City Star on August 21, 2009
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The family of a motorcyclist killed this week is calling for harsher punishments for DUI offenders.

Roger Whisenant loved to ride his Harley Davidson. His nickname was “Road Dog”.

On Monday, Roger took his bike to get gas. Near Independence Avenue and Myrtle Road in Kansas City, a pickup truck plowed into him.

The truck flipped and pinned Roger to the ground.

Roger's fiancée, Amy Jordan, rushed to the scene where he was pronounced dead.

Forty-five-year-old Curtis Henderson was driving the pickup. He is now charged with second-degree murder and driving with a revoked license.

Henderson has two previous DUI convictions.

Police say Henderson told them he had a beer on the morning of the accident and smoked pot and did meth the night before.

Rogers family says Henderson’s history proves the need for tougher DUI penalties.

Whisenant's family set up a memorial fund to help pay funeral expenses and provide for his 12-year old son.
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Man Charged with Murder in Hit-And-Run

Curtis L. Henderson was charged with murder and driving while license was revoked in connection to a fatal hit-and-run on Aug, 17, 2009.

Motorcyclist Killed in Multi-Vehicle Collision

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A 45-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection to the death of a motorcyclist killed in a hit-and-run involving three vehicles late Monday afternoon.

Jackson County prosecutors file charges Tuesday against Curtis L. Henderson. He has been charged with second degree murder and driving while license was revoked.

The charges stem from a fatal hit-and-run that happened around 4:15 p.m. in the 4000 block of Independence Avenue on Monday.

According to police, Henderson’s truck was traveling northbound on Myrtle when it struck 57-year-old Roger Whisenant on his motorcycle. Henderson was attempting to cross Independence Avenue. Whisenant and his motorcycle were pushed into another car when the truck hit the motorcycle. Henderson’s truck flipped onto its side and then Henderson fled the scene on foot.

Police say Henderson went to his Kansas City residence and called 911. Officers then went to his house, where he was taken into custody. He admitted to hitting the motorcycle and killing the man.

According to the prosecutor’s office, Henderson also admitted to drinking one beer earlier in the day and smoking marijuana and doing methamphetamines the night before the crash.

Henderson has prior alcohol convictions and prior DWR convictions.