JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Tuesday night, friends and family gathered to remember a 19-year-old who died in a motorcycle crash on the Buckman Bridge.
The candlelight vigil was held on Blanding Boulevard in the Argyle Forest area, a place typically used to gather and prepare for rides, but on Tuesday dozens of cars and motorcycles filled the parking lot to honor the life of Bri Haire.
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The gathering also served as a chance to spread awareness of motorcycle safety.
Riders and loved ones shared a common message: at the end of every ride, someone is waiting for you.
They urged drivers to look twice for motorcycles and encouraged everyone to take steps to keep themselves and others safe.
News4JAX spoke with one of Bri’s close friends, Rodrigo Soliz, who said she was like a sister to him.
“I want everyone to remember Bri, and a lot of people here know this, she was 100% herself,” Soliz said. “She was there for people. She respected you. The way she carried herself, the way she loved people, that’s what I want everyone to remember.”
Soliz said Bri helped him through a crash of his own that left him in a coma for several weeks. He says that she was someone who lit up every room.
“I want her legacy to stay alive. She didn’t do it in a random way she made you feel comfortable, like you could go to her for anything. Any time of night, any time of day, she’d be there for you. No matter the occasion, she’d be there for anyone, anytime,” Soliz said.
Several speakers stepped up to the mic on Tuesday to honor Bri. Ending their speeches by saying “Ride for Bri.” They ask people to continue safe riding practices and carry the legacy Bri left behind.
“There are so many bad circumstances,” Carly Fields, one of the organizers said. “It needs to be spread to just look twice when you’re changing lanes, watch you speed.”
And she said that goes for both motorcycles riders and car drivers.
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