Julie Starkey Obituary, Death: Auburn, Indiana Resident and Beloved Home Depot Worker, 60-Year-Old Motorcycle Enthusiast and Motor Maids Club Member, Tragically Killed in Motorcycle Accident on I-69 as Tire from Semi-Truck Breaks Free and Strikes Her Trike; Allen County Coroner Confirms Blunt Force Injuries as Cause of Death; Accident Occurs North of Fort Wayne on October 7, 2024; Funeral Arrangements Announced by Family
Julie Starkey, a 60-year-old woman from Auburn, Indiana, tragically lost her life in a devastating motorcycle accident on the afternoon of October 7, 2024. Starkey, known in her community as a dedicated Home Depot employee and an enthusiastic member of the Motor Maids Motorcycle Club, was struck by a tire that had broken free from a semi-truck while riding her three-wheeled motorcycle along Interstate 69. Her death, which has sent shockwaves through both her personal and professional communities, was confirmed by the Allen County Coroner’s Office, which also identified multiple blunt force injuries as the primary cause of death. The incident marks a devastating loss for her family, friends, and fellow motorcyclists, who now mourn the passing of a vibrant and cherished soul.
The tragic sequence of events leading to Starkey’s death unfolded in a matter of moments. According to the initial investigation, a semi-tractor trailer traveling southbound on I-69, just north of mile marker 319, experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure when one of its tires became dislodged. The tire, after detaching from the truck, crossed the grassy median that separates the northbound and southbound lanes of the highway. The tire’s path of destruction did not stop there, however, as it barreled across the northbound lanes, where Starkey was traveling north on her trike. Whether the tire directly struck her motorcycle or forced her to swerve into the cable barrier in the grass median remains unclear. What is known is that her motorcycle came to a violent stop after colliding with the barrier.
Starkey’s death was almost instantaneous. Despite wearing the appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, she was unable to survive the blunt force injuries she sustained during the collision. Emergency services were alerted to the incident, and responders arrived on the scene shortly after. The Allen County Coroner’s Office was notified at approximately 1600 hours, and Julie Starkey was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Her death, classified as accidental, was the result of the blunt impact trauma she suffered from the tire’s impact. Starkey’s passing represents the thirty-first motor vehicle fatality in Allen County for the year 2024, a grim statistic that serves as a somber reminder of the dangers that motorists face on the open road.
As word of Starkey’s death began to spread, those who knew her were left reeling from the shock. A colleague from Home Depot was among the first to publicly announce her passing, posting on social media a heartfelt message that paid tribute to Starkey’s warm and caring nature. “Julie, you were such a sweet soul!!! I enjoyed working with you for the past 2 years at HD! You will be greatly missed!” the message read. The post captured the sentiments of many who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Starkey, who had been a part of the Home Depot team for two years after spending more than three decades in management at Pizza Hut. Her kind-heartedness and dedication to her work endeared her to her colleagues, who are now left to mourn the loss of a beloved coworker.
Julie Starkey’s love for motorcycles was well-known within her circle of friends and fellow riders. A long-time member of the Motor Maids Motorcycle Club, one of the oldest women’s motorcycle clubs in the United States, she found joy in the freedom and camaraderie that came with being part of the riding community. Her three-wheeled motorcycle, known as a trike, was her pride and joy, and she relished the opportunity to ride it on long trips across the country. Starkey’s membership in the Motor Maids allowed her to connect with like-minded women who shared her passion for motorcycling, and together, they forged lasting friendships through their shared experiences on the road. The news of her death has shaken the Motor Maids community, which is mourning the loss of one of its cherished members.
In the days following the accident, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Starkey’s death has continued. The Allen County Police Department, Allen County Prosecutor’s Office, and Allen County Coroner’s Office are all involved in the inquiry. Authorities are focused on determining exactly how the tire became dislodged from the semi-truck and whether any negligence or mechanical failure played a role in the tragic accident. While no charges have been filed at this time, the results of the investigation will likely provide the Starkey family with some of the answers they seek as they grapple with the senseless nature of her death.
Julie Starkey’s personal life was marked by her deep love for her family and her strong connections with those around her. Born on May 31, 1964, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Neil and Mary Lou (Klopfenstein) Wisler, she grew up with a strong sense of family values and a love for spending time with her loved ones. She developed close bonds with her sister Susan, her nieces Cecilia, Madeline, and Olivia, and her father Neil. Her marriage to Michael Starkey in 1988 was a testament to her devotion to family, and the couple shared many happy years together. Julie’s love for her family extended beyond humans, as she had a deep affection for her cats, who were a constant source of comfort and companionship in her life.
Beyond her family, Starkey had a wide range of interests and talents. She was known for her creative spirit, often indulging in various crafts that allowed her to express her artistic side. Whether it was knitting, painting, or other creative endeavors, she found joy in the act of creating and sharing her work with others. Her generous nature extended to her community as well, as she frequently volunteered her time to causes she believed in. One of her passions was supporting the DeKalb Humane Shelter, where she made donations and encouraged others to do the same. In lieu of flowers, her family has requested that donations be made to the shelter in her memory, a fitting tribute to a woman who cared so deeply for both people and animals.
As the Starkey family prepares to say their final goodbyes to Julie, they have announced the details of her obituary and funeral arrangements. A visitation will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, located at 1860 Center Street in Auburn. The visitation will be followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m., during which family and friends will come together to celebrate Julie’s life and the impact she had on those around her. Following the service, Starkey will be laid to rest at Waterloo Cemetery in Waterloo, Indiana, where her loved ones will have the opportunity to pay their final respects.
The outpouring of support for the Starkey family in the wake of Julie’s death has been overwhelming. Friends, neighbors, and coworkers have come forward to share their memories of her, offering words of comfort and solace during this difficult time. As they navigate the painful process of grieving, the Starkey family is finding strength in the knowledge that Julie touched so many lives in such a meaningful way. Her legacy of kindness, generosity, and love will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, even as they come to terms with the fact that she is no longer with them.
The tragic circumstances of Julie Starkey’s death have also sparked important conversations about road safety and the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. The fact that a semi-truck tire could come loose and cause such devastation highlights the need for increased scrutiny of commercial vehicles and the protocols in place to ensure their safety on the road. As the investigation into the accident continues, there will undoubtedly be questions about whether this tragedy could have been prevented, and whether changes in regulations or enforcement might help to prevent similar accidents in the future.
As the community of Auburn, Indiana, comes together to mourn the loss of Julie Starkey, they are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with their loved ones. While her passing leaves a void that can never be filled, her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her to live their lives with the same kindness, generosity, and love that she exemplified. Julie may be gone, but her spirit will live on, a lasting testament to a life well-lived, even in the face of tragedy.
