Light ceremony, fundraiser set in honor of motorcyclist killed in Tyler crash
Published 8:50 pm Tuesday, March 4, 2025
- Dakota Hunter, 21, was killed in a motorcycle crash. (GoFundMe/Hunter Family/Contributed Photo)
The community is rallying to support the family of a 21-year-old Tyler man who was killed in a crash Saturday in Tyler.
A fatal crash occurred around 5 p.m. in the 7900 block of South Broadway Avenue, just north of Cumberland Road. According to the Tyler Police Department, an SUV was waiting to turn left into a shopping center when it turned in front of two southbound motorcycles, causing a collision.
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The crash resulted in the death of Dakota Hunter, 21, who was driving his motorcycle. The second motorcyclist and the SUV driver involved in the crash were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The crash remains under investigation.
In memory of Hunter, a light ceremony is scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the crash site. A cross will be placed at the location, and attendees are encouraged to bring candles and flowers. The victim’s sister is organizing the event via Facebook. For details, visit: tinyurl.com/lightceremony.
Additionally, Mills Automotive is hosting a car and motorcycle show in remembrance of the motorcyclists involved. The event will take place at Bergfeld Park on March 29 at 9:30 a.m., serving as both a tribute to the victim and a fundraiser to support their family. For more information, visit: tinyurl.com/remembrance-cycleshow.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up to assist with funeral and memorial costs. As of Tuesday afternoon, over $2,800 had been raised of the $25,000 goal.
The fundraiser states Hunter leaves behind his two children, a wife, younger siblings, mother and close friends.
Money raised through the online fundraiser will go toward funeral costs, memorial, help with Hunter’s children, and any other expense related to Hunter and his family. The family asks for prayers during this difficult time.
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To donate, visit: tinyurl.com/gofundme-funeralcosts.
Safety tips recommended by TxDOT
Below are safety precautions, from Texas Department of Transportation, motorists should keep in mind to help prevent motorcycle crashes:
Stay alert. Give driving your full attention. Even a momentary distraction, such as answering a phone call or changing the radio station, can have deadly consequences.
Pay special attention at intersections. One-third of all motorcycle fatalities happen at roadway intersections.
Take extra care when making a left turn. Always assume motorcycles are closer than they appear and avoid turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
Look twice when changing lanes. Check mirrors, check blind spots, and always use turn signals.
Give motorcyclists room when passing them. Move to the passing lane, and don’t crowd the motorcyclist’s full lane.
Stay back. If you’re behind a motorcycle, always maintain a safe following distance. When a motorcyclist downshifts, it can catch drivers off guard since there are no brake lights to signal reduced speed.
Slow down. Obey posted speed limits and drive according to conditions.