Community mourns loss of Joe Kirchner, pianist and pink-wigged icon with popular local tribute band Pinky and the Floyd
EBS STAFF
Two motorists died, and one passenger was injured in a crash between two motorcycles at the intersection Gooch Hill Road and U.S. Highway 191 in Gallatin Gateway on Friday night, Sept. 20.
Around 8:45 p.m., one motorcycle carrying two riders was moving westbound on Gooch Hill Road, approaching the intersection with Highway 191, according to a Sept. 22 press release from Montana Highway Patrol. When the motorcycle reached the intersection, it turned left onto 191, but failed to yield to oncoming traffic and was struck by another motorcycle already on the highway.
None of the riders were wearing helmets, according to the release. Investigators suspect both speed and alcohol were factors in the accident.
The drivers, both males, were pronounced dead on the scene. The female passenger on the motorcycle that entered from Gooch Hill Road survived the accident, and was transported to Bozeman Regional Deaconess Medical Center and treated for injuries.
She is expected to survive, according to a release from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.
Local band loses its icon
According to a Sept. 22 social media post by Pinky and the Floyd, a popular Bozeman-based tribute band, the driver of the motorcycle entering from Gooch Hill Road was 43-year-old Joe Kirchner, who played synthesizer, piano and “keytar”—a hybrid of keyboard and guitar—and could be recognized onstage by his tall pink wig.
“We lost our icon. The very definition of our band. We are completely devastated,” the band wrote in an Instagram caption.
According to the post, Kirchner’s wife, Bridget, was the lone survivor in the crash. On Sept. 28, Helena’s Grateful Dead tribute band, 710 Ashbury, will be playing at Bozeman’s Filling Station with all ticket proceeds going toward her recovery.
“Please send all your positive energy to Joe’s family and friends, especially his beautiful wife Bridget (who’s in the ICU in Bozeman),” the band wrote. “And thank you for giving us time and space to process the unfathomable and untimely loss of our best friend. Like Joe, the strength of this community is immense, so please stay tuned for ways to help!”
