Source: bike going 120 MPH before crash

WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WIVB) - She went to work everyday to help save the lives of others, but her own life came to a tragic end Tuesday night in West Seneca.

It's a haunting premonition. Two hours before 24-year-old Chelsea Olsen died in a motorcycle crash, she posted this picture on her Facebook page, with the caption: "We got a need for speed."

West Seneca Police Lt. Edward Baker said, "We do have reports from witnesses that they were traveling at a high rate of speed. Based on our early investigation, it does look like that was the case."

In fact, according to sources, the bike Olsen was riding on was flying up Route 400 at over 120 MPH Tuesday night. The driver, 29-year-old Joseph Ayer of Cheektowaga, came up on a pickup truck. The sources tell News 4 the truck driver tried to change lanes, but couldn't get out of the way fast enough.

Ayer's bike slid underneath it, and Olsen was thrown, striking two guiderail posts with so much force, they broke.

Back on Facebook, Olsen's isn't the only eerie post.

"I felt something was strange in the air today," an acquaintance wrote. "Thank you for the joy you brought to my life, in the short time I knew you."

Originally from Ithaca, Olsen worked as a nurse in the ICU at Millard Fillmore Gates. Friends' condolences are painting a vivid picture Olsen's personality -- they speak of her "vivaciousness," "fire," "spirit," and "never-ending energy."

"You lived life as full as you could... What a wonderful childhood we had together," one recalls.

"My other half, how I miss you already!" another mourns. "I'm sad that I will never see you smile or hear your voice again."

At 120 MPH, Ayer would've been going nearly double the posted speed limit.

Lt. Baker said, "It's hard enough, having to worry about what the cars are doing. But traveling at high rates of speed, and taking chances, especially if you haven't been on your motorcycle in the last several months is just not a good idea. It's too early to have two fatalities in our area."

Olsen is the second person to be killed in a motorcycle accident in WNY in just four days. 50-year-old Fred Lowenberg lost control of his bike and crashed in South Buffalo Saturday afternoon.

Chelsea Olsen's family is asking for privacy and time to grieve, and we are respecting that. Ayer has been released from the hospital and a source tells News 4 charges against him are pending.

Police are still investigating. If you have any information that could help them, please call West Seneca Police at 674-2280.