19-year-old Bri Haire was killed in a motorcycle crash on the Buckman Bridge Sunday evening. As her friends mourned, they also emphasized the need to ride safely.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Family, friends and fellow riders gathered Tuesday night to remember 19-year-old Bri Haire, who was killed in a motorcycle crash on the Buckman Bridge Sunday evening.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Haire’s motorcycle struck the back of an SUV around 6:30 p.m., throwing her onto the roadway.
Troopers say the driver of the SUV suffered minor injuries. Haire was taken to the hospital, where she died.
Dozens filled a race track on Blanding Boulevard two days later, lighting candles, sharing memories and reflecting on the young woman known for her love of riding.
“She always wanted one,” said Haire’s best friend, McLaren Hend. “And as soon as she got one, she called me. She was so excited. She was kind of like the sun to my blue sky or the moon to my stars.”
Childhood friend Rodrigo Solis said Haire once helped him recover after his own motorcycle crash that left him in a coma for seven weeks.
“Thanks to her, I was able to walk again,” Solis said. “If it wasn’t for her pushing my wheelchair at that time, I wasn’t able to walk.”
He also spoke about her lasting impact.
“I know she would be proud of how far her name as come,” Solis said. “I just want to keep her legacy and her name and memory alive, she was the most sweetest person and loving person there was, she helped a lot of people and there was no soul like her, sadly we lost an angel but heaven gained one of their strongest warriors.”
At the vigil, several community members urged riders to take safety seriously.
One message shared among the crowd: Slow down. Look twice. Be smart. Because someone was waiting for her, just like someone is waiting for you.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reports nine deadly motorcycle crashes so far this year. In 2025, 44 people were killed in motorcycle-related crashes across Jacksonville. JSO offers free motorcycle safety classes for riders of all experience levels. The next open class is scheduled for June 6. You can click here for more details.