A Pasco nurse and young Moses Lake father remembered after fatal motorcycle crashes
Family and friends are mourning a Pasco nurse with a love of the outdoors and a young Moses Lake father killed in motorcycle crashes on the same day.
Daniel Neil, 30, of Pasco, and Elias Cervantes Jr., 21, of Moses Lake, were remembered in GoFundMe campaigns as friends work to raise money for their funerals.
The men died in separate Tri-City crashes on Friday, April 14. A third motorcyclist, who has not been identified, was seriously injured in a Richland crash on Saturday.
The series of wrecks have Tri-Cities police raising warnings as spring weather increases the number of motorcycles and bicyclists on the road.
Kennewick Sgt. Chris Littrell said drivers need to be aware that motorcyclists and bicyclists are back on the streets.
“Both of these units are less obvious on the road, and drivers need to be watchful,” he said.
He also urged motorcyclists to be aware of other drivers, noting they are far more vulnerable to getting seriously hurt if there is a collision.
Riders should keep an eye on their speed and wear a helmet, Littrell added.
Police are continuing to investigate the three crashes and have not released any new details.
The first one happened shortly before 1 p.m. Friday when Neil collided with an SUV on Bombing Range Road, according to West Richland police.
Police have not said how the crash happened.
A second person was taken to a local hospital, but that person’s condition also was not released. It’s unclear if the person was also on the motorcycle or in the car.
Then about six hours later, Cervantes lost control of his motorcycle while speeding in Columbia Park in Kennewick, police said. He was thrown from the bike into a concrete sign and died at the scene.
The third crash happened on Columbia Point Drive about 10 p.m. Saturday. The rider was trying to pass the car when the driver turned into a driveway and collided with the motorcycle.
It’s unclear how the collision happened or what direction the car was turning at the time.
Families mourn
Family and friends had set up a small memorial for Cervantes next to the Columbia Park road with dozens of flowers and a cross.
And others took to social media to remember Neil, who had a love of the outdoors, including riding snowmobiles, according to his Facebook page.
GoFundMe campaigns had been set up for both and had separately raised more than $11,000 each for funeral costs and other expenses.
Helen Scotson, a friend of Neil’s wife, Alyssa, organized the fundraiser. She described him as a “great husband, son, co-worker and nurse.”
“He loved people and the great outdoors,” she wrote on the GoFundMe page. “When he wasn’t caring for his patients, he could be found riding his motorcycle, 4-wheeling or snowmobiling. ... He will be remembered for his warm smile, big heart and adventurous spirit.”
“He will be missed by all who were blessed to have known him,” she wrote.
Cervantes was described as a “great dad, son, brother nephew, uncle, cousin and friend” by organizer Jessica Muldrow.
“His love for all will always be remembered,” she said. “He will forever be in our hearts and he will truly be missed. He is in the sky and stars watching over his family and friends. With all his struggles in life, he is in a better place!”
People can donate to Neil’s GoFundMe at bit.ly/NeilFundraiser or to the Cervantes GoFundMe at bit.ly/CervantesFundraiser.