Motorcyclist dies one week after colliding with two others

One of the three men involved in a motorcycle wreck south of Brownsboro on Saturday, April 28 has died as a result of his injuries.

Danny Gene Cofer, 46, of Athens was pronounced dead by Smith County Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace James Meredith at 1:10 p.m., Saturday, May 5, at East Texas Medical Center Tyler.

According to a report by DPS Trooper Jason Rolison, around 4:45 p.m., Cofer was riding a 2002 Suzuki, following two others on motorcycles, Darius Lamont Shofner, 43, of Tennessee Colony, and Kenneth Jerome Dunn, Jr., 32, of Athens, as they traveled east on Farm-to- Market Road 317, in Leagueville. None were carrying passengers.

About 1/10th of a mile west of FM 607, Shofner slowed his 2006 Suzuki to make a right turn into the Chevron gas station parking lot. Both Dunn, who was on a 2002 Suzuki, and Cofer accelerated to catch up with Shofner. However, when Dunn attempted to slow down he ran into the back of Shofner's motorcycle, the report said.

Dunn and Shofner were ejected into the right hand ditch, while Shofner's motorcycle skidded down the eastbound lane of FM 317 on its right side, coming to a rest in the eastbound lane.

Dunn's motorcycle came to a rest in the right hand ditch near the edge of the roadway.

Cofer moved to the right striking Dunn's motorcycle and began to flip end over end ejecting Cofer, who came to rest in the right hand ditch.

Cofer's Suzuki then exited the roadway to the right, struck a street sign, and came to a rest on its rider, the report said.

All three men were reportedly wearing their helmets.

Cofer was taken by Air 1 to ETMC Tyler. Shofner was transported to ETMC Athens by EMS.

Dunn refused treatment at the scene of the accident.