Crash Victim Was Life Of The Party

By Mike Perleberg James "December" Lamb was killed in a drunk driving crash on Interstate 74 early Saturday morning, October 29. Photo via Facebook. (Lawrenceburg, Ind.) – Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg employees are remembering a co-worker killed in a drunk driving crash. James “December” Lamb was a familiar face at the casino’s Boogie Nights dance club. He impersonated Guns ‘N’ Roses guitarist slash at the club known for its throwback dance music. Lamb also handled the camera well, snapping photos of partiers as they enjoyed a night out. The 55-year-old from Cincinnati died when the motorcycle he was operating was hit from behind by a pickup truck on Interstate 74 near Miamitown around 3:00 a.m. Saturday. Police say the pickup driver, 21-year-old Brandon Bernhardt, of Sunman, had been drinking. Bernhardt’s truck continued for close to a mile after the impact, dragging the motorcycle along. Once stopped, Bernhardt fled into some woods. He was tracked down quickly by a police K9. Brandon Bernhardt. Photo by Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Deputies say numerous open and empty cans of beer were found in Bernhardt’s pickup. He has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal crash. An initial appearance in Hamilton County court has been scheduled for Monday, October 31 at 9:00 a.m. Bernhardt has a history of drunk driving. He was arrested in Hamilton County this past March for OVI and failure to maintain reasonable control, according to court records. After pleading guilty in May, he was sentenced to three days in jail and six months on probation, but Boogie Nights is planning a fundraiser to help out Lamb’s family. Details have not been announced. Funeral services for Lamb have not yet been announced. RELATED STORIES: Sunman Man Charged For Hitting, Killing Motorcyclist On I-74