The motorcycle community is mourning the loss of 17-year-old Noah Scribner, a Timpanogos High School senior whose life was tragically cut short in a motorcycle crash on Utah’s State Route 92 in American Fork Canyon on May 12, 2025.Noah was a vibrant soul days away from graduation and an LDS mission, remembered for his kindness, ballroom dancing flair, and knack for making strangers feel like friends.
The Crash: A Storm of Factors
Noah lost control of his Honda motorcycle while navigating a curve on SR-92, a scenic but notoriously challenging route with sharp turns and elevation shifts. Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) investigators are still piecing together why the front wheel detached—a rare but catastrophic event. While speed and road conditions remain under scrutiny, one fact is clear: Utah’s motorcycle fatalities hit a 15-year high in 2024, with single-vehicle crashes like Noah’s dominating the data.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Last year, 53 motorcyclists died on Utah roads, many on winding mountain routes where riders misjudged curves or lacked protective gear. Nationally, teens account for 4% of motorcycle fatalities, often linked to inexperience or improper licensing. Noah’s story mirrors these trends, underscoring a harsh reality: even skilled riders face invisible risks.
A Heartbreak—and Resilience
Timpanogos High School deployed grief counselors as students grappled with losing a peer who “lit up every hallway,” said leadership advisor Robyn Bertzing. A GoFundMe for Noah’s family soared past $20,000 in 36 hours, reflecting a community determined to turn pain into support.
Friends described Noah as “the guy who’d dance through life”—literally. His passion for ballroom dancing and leadership in school service projects like the Santa Campaign showcased a spirit too bright to fade quietly.
The Bigger Picture
Noah’s crash aligns with three critical issues:
- Rider Education Gaps: Utah’s teen driver fatalities dropped 50% in 2024, thanks to graduated licensing programs—but motorcycle training hasn’t kept pace. Advanced courses for handling mountain roads could save lives.
- Protective Gear Neglect: 21% of young riders killed nationally in 2021 weren’t wearing helmets. While Noah’s gear use is unconfirmed, UHP stresses helmets reduce fatality risk by 37%.
- Road Design Risks: SR-92’s beauty masks danger. Better signage, surface repairs, or rider alerts for high-risk curves could prevent future tragedies.
Honoring Noah
As investigators work to pinpoint the cause of the crash, Noah’s story is a wake-up call. For riders, here’s how to protect yourself:
- Master the Machine: Take advanced courses, especially if you are riding technical terrain.
- Gear Up: Helmets aren’t optional. Invest in DOT-approved models and abrasion-resistant clothing.
- Respect the Road: Scout routes beforehand and adjust speed for curves, gravel, or weather.
Noah Scribner’s legacy isn’t defined by how he died but by how he lived—a reminder to cherish every mile. Let’s honor him by pushing for smarter training, safer roads, and a culture where riders watch out for one another. As Utah rider McCoy Michaelis, Noah’s friend, said: “He made everyone want to be better.”
