Members of the Tyler Police Department, family and other supporters of Sam Lively, who was killed in a motorcycle crash, gathered at the crash site Tuesday afternoon to remember Lively. Flowers, flags, photos and a cross were placed near the site. (Tyler Police Department/Contributed Photo)

Friends and loved ones are remembering the life of Sam Lively, a Tyler police officer whose life was taken in a motorcycle crash.

Lively was off duty from the Tyler Police Department, driving his motorcycle on Troup Highway near the intersection of Loop 323 when another vehicle crashed into him. Tyler PD says the investigation showed a vehicle was switching lanes and got over into the outside lane where Lively was driving, striking him on his motorcycle.

Lively was taken to a local hospital but unfortunately died from injuries sustained in the crash, police said.

Family, fellow police officers and other supporters gathered at the crash site Tuesday afternoon to remember Lively. Among those present were officers who went to the police academy with Lively. He had recently graduated from the academy and completed field training with the department.

“It was an emotional moment for everyone,” the department said of the memorial service, “and an honor to have his family present.”

The department said Lively will be missed.

“Officer Lively was an amazing young man that wanted to serve the Tyler community,” the department said. “He will be missed by everyone that had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fellow officers.”

Funeral services are also scheduled. Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home, located at 206 West South Street in Lindale, will host a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday. A church service is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler.

The crash remains under investigation. Officials urge drivers to use caution on the road and look out for motorcycle drivers.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, nearly 600 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in Texas last year, and over 2,400 riders sustained serious injuries. Road safety is a shared responsibility for everyone — whether on two wheels, four, or more — by staying alert and paying attention.

TxDOT’s statewide “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign emphasizes the importance of vigilance, particularly at intersections where motorcycle collisions frequently happen.

To help prevent crashes:

Check yourself. Always remind yourself to keep an eye out for motorcycles nearby.

Look twice. Use turn signals and check blind spots before changing lanes.

Turning left? Avoid turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Let them pass first and always use your turn signal.

Pay special attention at intersections. More than a third of all motorcycle fatalities happen at roadway intersections.

Make some space. Keep a safe following distance. Motorcyclists can reduce their speed without activating their brake light.

Slow down. Obey posted speed limits and drive according to conditions.

Stay alert. Give driving your full attention. Even a momentary distraction can have deadly consequences.