Memorial bike ride in honor of motorcyclist who lost his life in a recent crash
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) – A memorial bike ride was held for motorcyclist Riley Hairsine, who lost his life in a recent motorcycle crash.
The ride aimed to celebrate his life and show support for his family.
Before riders took to the road, community members, friends, and family could be heard shouting, “For Riley.”
Chloe Beaty, one of the riders and Hairsine’s girlfriend, said the event was all for him.
“Babe, I love you. I’ll be seeing you. I’m doing all of this for you. I’ll never stop living for you, and I miss him. I miss him so, so much.”
Community members from across the region gathered in honor of Hairsine, who was killed in a motorcycle crash on Highway 153.
Hairsine’s grandmother, with the rest of his family standing behind her, thanked the community for its continued support during this difficult time.
“I think the outpouring of love and support that we’ve all received as a family has been overwhelming.”
Many of Hairsine’s close friends, who described him as a brother, said they are still struggling to process the loss.
“It just… it was hard to actually know the truth right when I had first heard,” Daylin Grone explained.
Collin Lee told News 12 he was in disbelief when he learned what had happened.
“I was in total shock. I actually saw Riley right before it happened, about 30 minutes prior. I had left my house and was headed back to his when it happened, so I was kind of in disbelief.”
As friends and family continue to mourn, some riders said they hope the tragedy serves as a reminder about motorcycle safety.
“Slow down. Ride safe. Always look multiple times. You never know how fast somebody is going. Don’t even take the risk to make that turn,” Tucker Stafford stated.
Organizers said the ride was about more than remembering a friend. It was about showing a grieving family they are not alone.
We’ve also been told another tribute ride may be held in the coming weeks for Dathan Thomas, another biker who lost his life in a separate motorcycle crash.
