Community remembers cyclist hit, killed by suspected drunk driver with memorial ride
“Matthew would do it for us. Matthew did it for us. I just think it’s reasonable for us to do it for him and for his children.”
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WSMV) - The community is coming together to remember Matthew Paritz, the beloved bicyclist and father who died after being hit by a car. Franklin police say the driver that struck Paritz is charged with DUI and vehicular homicide.
“Matthew was a great guy who lived a good life. Now, Matthew, he won’t see 60... He didn’t see 60 years of age. He won’t ever see grandchildren, and that’s sad,” says Vincent Windrow, Pastor of Olive Branch Church and a close friend of Matthew.
Paritz’s loved ones describe him as someone who lit up the lives of everyone he met.
Previous story: Franklin man identified as bicyclist hit, killed by impaired driver
In December, Matthew was riding his bike along Mack Hatcher Parkway when he was hit and killed by a drunk driver, according to police. Despite the crash happening months ago, Windrow still struggles to believe his friend is gone.
“We think about what happened, how it happened, how early it happened, and all the context is like... and that was Matthew, of all the people for that to have happened to. It was Matthew,” he said.
As more people get out to enjoy the summer sun, it is essential to stay aware of your surroundings while driving, particularly watching out for cyclists and pedestrians. When passing a cyclist, give them at least three feet of space to ensure their safety.
On Sunday, there will be even more people walking and biking in Franklin for the ‘Matthew Paritz Memorial Ride.’ This event aims to honor Matthew while raising money for his two teenage daughters’ college fund.
“This opportunity to respond to him, how he always responded to us, I think it’s super cool. Matthew would do it for us. Matthew did it for us. I just think it’s reasonable for us to do it for him and for his children,” Windrow said.
The bike ride and memorial walk will start at The Factory at Franklin, traveling to the Mack Hatcher and Liberty Pike intersection, where Matthew lost his life. This event, organized by Bike Walk Franklin and Matthew’s congregation at Olive Branch Church, aims to raise $50,000 for the college fund. Teammates from Matthew’s triathlon group, Music That Moves, have already contributed more than $4,400.
The community’s response demonstrates the profound impact Matthew had on those around him and the collective commitment to honor his memory by supporting his family and promoting road safety.
For more information on the event and how to contribute to the college fund for Matthew’s daughters, visit: https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/Events/TN/Franklin/MatthewParitz.
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