CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — It was last Friday when a deadly crash claimed the life of a motorcycle driver on Ocean Drive -- now, that man's family is coming together to remember him.
Corpus Christi police told 3NEWS that 27-year-old Austin Gonzalez was not at fault in the crash that claimed his life.
It would be understandable if Austin's family and friends didn't want anything to do with motorcycles after the crash. However, they'll be back on their bikes Saturday for 'Austin's Final Ride'.
"The outpouring that's been shown to my son is a reflection of who he was," said Austin's father, Joe Gonzalez.
Joe told 3NEWS that motorcycles weren't the issue, and that his son's death was "just a terrible accident."
Austin's friends Raymond Guerrero and Roland Tello said they have known him since they were in grade school.
"He treated everyone with respect, he was a really good guy. Fun to be around. He was just a good guy all around," Guerrero said.
Tello told 3NEWS that Austin has managed to touch people he didn't even know.
"Community is coming out of the woodworks right now, with people we don't even know," Tello said. "And it's even great because he brought everybody together, and he's still bringing people together."
Saturday his family is promoting safety as they celebrate his life.
"We're having a ride, doing what he loved to do, and that was riding his bike. That's not going to change for us, we're a family of riders. My family, my wife's family, we've all been riders," Joe said.
The ride will begin at Talbert's Tavern at 10 a.m. on Grand Morgan and Leopard Street.
"It will end at the church service. Following that we will be going to our home where Austin will be resting. And we're going to be celebrating his life there," Joe said.
To learn more about 'Austin's Final Ride' route, click here.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- City to create traffic light inspection program after pole falls at Everhart, Alameda
- Restoring the Ritz Theatre to its 1929 charm
- Packery Channel repair costs climb by $2.6M due to additional erosion
- Jimmy Kimmel invites Jason Grosboll, aka 'Popcorn Guy', to Oscars
- Health district asks residents to report at-home COVID test results
- Nueces County traffic stop turns into largest liquid fentanyl drug bust in US history
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Put your name and contact information below, or email tell3@kiiitv.com, so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
If you do not have a photo/video to submit, just click "OK" to skip that prompt.