KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, Mich. — News Channel 3 has confirmed the identity of the 32-year-old motorcyclist killed in a crash on Gull Road Thursday.
Family and friends identified him as Javon Houston, a father who they say was deeply loved by those around him.
Houston was killed around 4 p.m. Thursday on Gull Road between Elkerton Avenue and Colgrove Avenue. Police said his motorcycle collided with an SUV that was turning left onto Elkerton Avenue.
The SUV driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Houston was honored with two celebrations of life over the weekend.
On Saturday, Sept. 5, family and close friends gathered at Upjohn Park for a balloon release. The gathering featured a black and red color theme as loved ones came together to celebrate Houston’s life.
The following morning, Sunday, Sept. 6, motorcyclists gathered at the Speedway near the Gull Road roundabout for a memorial bike ride.
Family and friends said the ride was not only in honor of Houston, but for motorcyclists all over who have lost their lives on the road. They especially remembered two other West Michigan riders who died this year.
One was 28-year-old Azariah Smith, who was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Gull Road April 14. Smith was also a father. The other was a motorcyclist killed in a crash in downtown Plainwell Sept. 1.
The riders traveled down Gull Road toward downtown Kalamazoo as part of the memorial.
Houston’s death remains under investigation by the Township of Kalamazoo Police Department.
Anyone with information about the crash can contact police at (269) 488-8911 or anonymously through Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100.