Friends and family honoring Collier County man killed in weekend motorcycle crash

Reporter: Chris Cifatte Writer: Matthew Seaver
Published: Updated:
(Credit: Christine Baker)

A community of first responders mourning the loss of one of their own. Bryan Fly died in a crash over on Sunday. He had a dream of becoming a firefighter and it was close to becoming a reality.

His friends and other first responders are honoring him the way he would have liked. They have a memorial ride planned for him this weekend, but that’s not the only way he’s being honored.

The Greater Naples Fire Department made him an honorary firefighter, something he was working hard to achieve.

For 20-year-old Bryan fly, firefighting was his dream. His aunt Christine Baker said, “it was in his blood. Once it’s in your blood that’s it, it’s there. ”

Bryan’s aunt says he was following in his family’s footsteps. “He is fourth-generation firefighter for the same department. Greater Naples. His dad, my dad, my dad’s dad. ”

Bryan died on Sunday in a motorcycle crash in Collier County. Since then, the community came together as one.

“We all stick together. We go through tragic times every day we work. When it comes to personal tragedy we are there together,” said Baker.

A motorcycle ride honoring his life is planned for this weekend.

“It means a lot. Mostly because it’s the kid’s way of grieving. And it’s their way of paying their tribute to Bryan,” said Baker.

A way for his family and friends to remember who Bryan was. “His sarcasm. We are a sarcastic family.” Baker recalls, “his smile. He always had an infectious smile.”

“They made him an honorary firefighter. He has a badge. He has a number. It’s 321 which his birthday is March 21st so that’ll be his forever Greater Naples number.”

The memorial ride is planned for Sunday at five. They plan to meet at the Racetrac gas station along Immokalee Road in Naples.

Then will ride to the memorial at the crash site along Oil Well Road. Anyone is welcome.

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