GILROY—In the wake of his motorcycle death last week, family and friends of Doug Williams of Gilroy have raised more than $4,500 to cover funeral expenses.
Williams, 23, was pronounced dead March 18 after what San Benito County Sheriff’s deputies believe was a high-speed collision with a tree as he rode the trails he’d ridden many times at Hollister Hills recreation park.
His father had reported him missing at 6:15 p.m. the day before, after Williams left the family group for what he said would be a short ride, according to San Benito County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Eric Taylor.
There were no skid marks at the scene, indicating he may have been traveling to fast when trying to turn, Taylor said.
The day Williams’ body was found, a friend created an online fundraiser for funeral costs. As of press time Wednesday afternoon, donations neared the goal of $5,000.
“Doug was something else,” Monica De Shetler, who started the fundraiser, told the Dispatch. “He had the kindest heart and always liked to make everyone smile—cracking jokes and making people laugh was his thing.”
Friends say his contagious smile, big bear hugs and positive attitude will never be forgotten.
“He was such a gentle heart and was living life to its fullest,” Kaitlyn Hogue said. “Anyone who met him didn’t need to know him long to know he was a genuinely great guy. I still can’t believe he’s gone.”
Williams’ family told investigators he’d been riding a motorcycle since the age of 10 and frequently rode at Hollister Hills. At the recreational park Friday, bikers noted that safety isn’t limited to protective riding gear.
“It’s not ping pong,” said biker Blaine Sollazzi, 40, noting the sport’s inherent risks.
Like Williams, Sollazzi started riding at a young age, saying he’s been coming to Hollister Hill since he was 8. While he acknowledged it’s best to ride in a group, that isn’t always possible.
“It’s safer to ride with someone but you can’t always do that and you can’t stay home,” said Sollazzi, of Los Gatos.
Bikers Austin Ceja and Nick Feliciano from Monterey, who were sitting on picnic benches overlooking Hollister Hills trails Friday afternoon, felt more strongly about the importance of never riding alone, especially as they considered Williams’ death.
“Do not go alone,” said Feliciano, 21.
“Yeah, you can’t ride alone out here,” said Ceja, 28.
Those who insist on riding alone should stick to the main trails and ride on the weekends instead of late in the evening on a workday, the bikers said. When more people are at the site, there’s a better chance someone will see a biker if they fall, the friends said.
Williams was wearing a helmet and investigators noted significant damage to the top of the safety device. His body was found down an embankment, between six and 10 feet from where his bike came to rest.
A celebration of life ceremony for Williams is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28 in Gilroy’s Christmas Hill Park, behind the amphitheater.
Reporter Katie Helland contributed to this report.
