Brain-Damage Victim Who Persevered Dies

Roger Rodecker, a young man who fought for a high school diploma after a motorcycle accident left him suffering from brain damage, and, in the process, learned a lot about self-determination, died of complications from chronic seizures, his family disclosed Friday. Rodecker was 22 when he died June 17.

About four years ago, Rodecker was riding on the back of a motorcycle driven by a co-worker from Knott’s Berry Farm when it slammed into a van, leaving him critically injured and comatose. The severe cuts and head injuries Rodecker suffered left him with brain damage and susceptible to seizures, his mother, Diane Darnbrough, said.

After being in a coma for six weeks, followed by three months of rehabilitation, Rodecker decided to sign up for special education classes at Fountain Valley High School. Two years later, he earned a diploma, having passed the school district’s proficiency test in language arts, math and reading.

His accomplishment gained widespread attention, and when he received his diploma last June, he told The Times: “It seemed like forever.” His proud mother said it was a “major accomplishment.”

At the time of his death, Rodecker was improving his skills in memory training and reading while at Coastline Community College in Fountain Valley.

Aside from his mother, he is survived by his stepfather, Ed Darnbrough; father, Wallace Rodecker of Long Beach; sister, Angela; brothers, Wallace and David, and a great-grandmother, Ruth Rodecker of Long Beach.

The funeral was held June 23. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Southern California Head Injury Foundation, 12929 Laurel Ave., Downey, Calif. 90242.