Motorcyclist Dies After Striking Deer In Canton

CANTON, GA — A 67-year-old beekeeper and motorcycle race announcer died early Thursday in an accident involving a deer in Cherokee County. Deputies with the Cherokee Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the scene of the crash on Lower Bethany Road around 5 p.m. Aug. 23.

They arrived to find the motorcyclist, Brian Drebber of Canton, suffering from injuries after colliding with a deer. Drebber was conscious at the scene of the collision, but later died after he was transported to Northside Hospital Cherokee, said sheriff's office spokesperson Jay Baker.

Kylie von Drebber, Drebber's granddaughter, announced the news on the Facebook page of Drebbieville Hives, the beekeeping company owned by the 67-year-old.

"His absence leaves a big hole in the world and in our hearts, but this is not the end of Drebbieville Hives," she said. "He wanted this to be his legacy. He didn't care about money or anything else just wanted to create something with longevity for his family he left behind."

Despite the family's sudden loss, Kylie von Drebber said customers will still have their questions answered about bees and hives, and they will still be able to order hives and parts.

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Along with beekeeping, Drebber was also known as a motorcycle race announcer, according to MotoAmerica's press release. The organization said Drebber was on his way to the airport, so he could attend the upcoming MotoAmerica round at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex.

“The entire MotoAmerica family is saddened today by the loss of Brian,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “Brian had a passion for our sport that was evident in his announcing. He was a big part of our paddock, and he will be missed.”

MotoAmerica notes Drebber began his career as a professional cyclist in the 1970s, and soon transitioned to announcing races. He was the lead track announcer for the company since 2015 when it assumed operations of the AMA Superbike Series. MotoAmerica states Drebber is survived by fiancée, Mara Yetter; daughter, Robin von Drebber; and granddaughter, Kylie von Drebber.

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