Woman Throws Beer Can at Speeding Motorcyclist; Biker Crashes and Dies

An Amsterdam woman was charged today with reckless endangerment for throwing a beer can at a motorcyclist who then crashed and died.

Georgeanna M. Crisalli, 57, of 46 Union St. threw a beer can at David Rivera, 50, of Fort Plain, who was speeding down the street said city police Detective Lt. Thomas DiMezza.

At the same time, a car pulled out from Glen Avenue, Rivera, who was distracted by the beer can, tried to avoid a collision, but hit the car and struck his head on the front bumper.

"Witnesses saw [Rivera] turn his head when [Crisalli] threw the can. When he turned back, that's when the motorcycle began to wobble," DiMezza said.

Rivera died as a result of his injuries. 

DiMezza said speed remains the main contributing factor in the crash, but he said the beer can appeared to have distracted the motorcyclist.

"Throwing something is not something you ordinarily do to a speeding motorcycle, or to any vehicle, for that matter," said DiMezza.

The felony reckless endangerment charge against Crisalli could result in a maximum penalty of 2 1/3 to seven years in state prison.

The driver of the car with which Rivera collided has not been charged.

(Information from Amsterdam Police Lt. Thomas DiMezza)