18-Year-Old Motorcyclist Killed in Fiery Crash in Cheyenne Identified

The 18-year-old motorcyclist who was killed after crashing into Cheyenne Stitch last month has been identified as Cheyenne resident Orion Onigkeit.

RELATED: 18-Year-Old Motorcyclist Killed in Fiery Crash in Cheyenne

The fatal crash happened at about 11:22 p.m. on Sept. 15, coincidentally just 18 days after 20-year-old Cheyenne resident Ayden Maitner died after crashing his motorcycle into the building.

RELATED: Motorcyclist Who Died After Crashing Into Cheyenne Building Identified

According to a fatality crash summary released Thursday, Oct. 3 by the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Onigkeit was riding eastbound on East Lincolnway in the right-hand lane when he failed to negotiate the left-hand curve near Nationway and crashed into the building.

Police spokeswoman Alex Farkas says a fire erupted as a result of the crash, prompting additional rescue response from Cheyenne Fire Rescue.

Farkas says Onigkeit, who died at the scene, was wearing a helmet, but the summary says he was not.

Speed Possibly to Blame for Fatal Motorcycle Crash

Farkas says an officer in the area observed Onigkeit and another motorcyclist, 23-year-old Cheyenne resident David Rutherford, traveling at a high rate of speed.

Rutherford was not injured in the crash and remained on the scene. He was issued citations for careless driving and driving without a motorcycle endorsement.

Get our free mobile app

According to Onigkeit's obituary (see below), Onigkeit worked at Discount Tire and was well-known for his incredible ability to “fix” anything.

"His true calling was clearly fixing cars with his dad and erecting computer towers that were probably as intricate as a NASA launch pad," his obituary reads.

Onigkeit is the 20th reported motorcyclist to die on Wyoming's highways this year. Of those deaths, five have occurred in Laramie County.

Orion Dale Onigkeit
April 7, 2006 — September 15, 2024
Cheyenne

In the grand saga of life that has come to a thrilling pause, we reluctantly bid to Orion Dale Onigkeit, affectionately dubbed “O” (because calling him ‘Orion’ just took too long). Born on April 7, 2006, in the glamorous metropolis of Cheyenne, WY, Orion spent his brief but action-packed existence charming the pants off everyone with his unique blend of intellect and sarcasm that could pierce through any thick-skinned atmosphere.

He embarked on his illustrious career at Discount Tire, because nothing screams “high ambition” quite like selling wheels to folks who probably shouldn’t be driving. But let’s not kid ourselves—his true calling was clearly fixing cars with his dad and erecting computer towers that were probably as intricate as a NASA launch pad. And let’s not forget his masterful touch with musical instruments; he graduated from guitar to conquering pretty much anything with strings attached. Clearly, he was on a mission to become the next rock star or at least someone who could occasionally play the intro to “Smoke on the Water” at family gatherings.

Of course, Orion’s talents didn’t stop there. He was well-known for his incredible ability to “fix” anything, which often led to tragic results, thrilling escapades, or perhaps just an afternoon in the garage that nobody would ever forget (and may need therapy for). Camping trips with family and friends? Oh, you bet he made memories there too! Nothing like nature to remind you that life is short, which is something he must not have gotten the memo about, considering he seemed to enjoy himself to the fullest before lighting out of this world a little earlier than expected on September 15, 2024—doing what he loved, apparently. How cliché.

Despite a penchant for comedy and an impeccable wit, Orion was remarkably aware of his roots, continuously expressing his love for his family, especially in the form of enthusiastic banter (it’s unclear if they participated willingly). His family, including his dad Eric Onigkeit, twin brother Koda Onigkeit, brother Damion and sister Veronica Solaas, Terri Onigkeit-Bintliff (grandma), David Bintliff (grandpa), Cheryl and Ray Leach (grandma and grandpa), Tami Higbee-Onigkeit (aunt), Kaden, Zachary, and Sierra Higbee (cousins), and the Wolverines group, will certainly miss that charming wit and the clever one-liners he threw into family conversations, whether they were welcome or not.

Skipping down to the end of this dramatic script, Orion’s proudest moment might just have been graduating high school early (because waiting until the last minute is simply too mainstream) and attempting to outrun his father in the prestigious family BMW. Spoiler alert: It seems he didn’t get the chance to beat him, but we can only imagine the glorious race that could have been.

Oh, and did we mention he was quite the gamer? Yes, grinding levels on video games with his dad took up a considerable chunk of his time, giving him the ability to level up in life rather quickly—just not in the way we’d all hoped for.

Orion leaves behind a band of family and friends who were lucky enough (or unfortunate enough, depending on the day) to witness his brief light in this dim world. So here’s to you, O! May your adventures in the great beyond involve fewer car repairs and way more rock concerts.

Come join us on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Schrader, Aragon, and Jacoby Funeral Home for many entertaining stories about Orion's life with everyone he loved (or the one's that loved him, wink wink). 2222 Russell Ave. Cheyenne, WY 82001.