Pedestrian hit by motorcycle; dies

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A New Hudson woman walking in a road and hit by a motorcycle Saturday evening later died at a hospital.

Grand Rapids police on Sunday said 23-year-old Sarah Joann Alleman died from her injuries.

Witnesses reported the incident just after 7 p.m. near the intersection of Wealthy Street and Visser Place SE in Grand Rapids. The motorcyclist was thrown from the motorcycle and was not wearing a helmet, police said.

Both Alleman and the driver were taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police believe alcohol and speed were factors in the crash for the motorcycle driver.
 
Sarah Alleman was an artist who was in town for the "No Artists Left Behind" event at Baker Tent Rental Saturday.
 
The event allows artists to show their art, even if they were not able to match up with an ArtPrize venue.

"She just felt so blessed and happy and fulfilled that she could show off with other artists and connect with other artists and other people," boyfriend Don Ball told 24 Hour News 8.

And the day leading up to the crash had been pleasant, family said.

"It sounded like she had the best day," said Sarah's brother Jim Alleman.

Alleman was going to get dinner with her mom when the crash happened.

"It's senseless," Sarah's mother Catherine Alleman told 24 Hour News 8 Monday by phone.

It's not yet known what charges the motorcycle driver might face.

Anyone with more information about this incident is asked to call the Grand Rapids Police Department Special Services Unit at 616.456.3771 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345.