DAVENPORT, Iowa — Family and friends of the bicyclist who was hit and killed last week in Davenport gathered Wednesday evening to place a cross at the accident site and remember their loved one.
On Tuesday, March 12, a driver was traveling southbound on North Division Street near Ridgeview Park when they struck and killed 27-year-old Gage Williams of Davenport.
Gage's aunt Jesse Sabel said he was an outgoing kid.
"I think every family member is going to say that their beloved member of their family is just the best person in the world," Sabel said. "And that's what we're gonna say about Gage because that's who he was."
He was a fan of anything outdoors — from motorcycles to bicycles to working on cars with his father.
Gage's life changed four years ago while riding his motorcycle. He was hit when an SUV pulled in front of him, putting him in a coma for three weeks.
"That was some brain trauma that he was recovering from," Sabel said. "And so that was one of the reasons why he had to ride a bike"
His stepmother Stacy Williams said he was finally getting comfortable walking and riding his bike, since he still wasn't able to drive due to his traumatic brain injury.
Stacy said Gage had even gone back to work and was handling his mortgage.
"Nothing really slowed that kid down," Stacy said. "He did what he had to do."
After his death, Gage's friends and family are worried about the safety of the crossing where he was killed.
"There's a school like less than a block away," Sabel said, referring to Fillmore Elementary School on Pacific Street. "I just feel like so many kids are at risk of getting hit by a car."
Sabel wants to see the City of Davenport take steps to prevent another death.
"I just feel like the speed is a big thing," Sabel said. "We've been sitting here for, what, 20 minutes and people are just flying through here. I don't think they even see the speed limit sign."
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Williams' family with funeral costs and other expenses, which can be found here. A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, April 7 from 2 to 6 p.m. at LULAC Council 10, 4224 Ricker Hill Rd. in Davenport.
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