TRI-CITIES, Wash.–Over 100 motorcyclists got on a bike for a memorial ride honoring Jhoser Sanchez on Sunday.
Jhoser, 20, was riding a motorcycle along State Route 240 on March 1 and was involved in a crash with off duty WSP Trooper Sarah Clasen.
Jhoser was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries. Toxicology lab results show Clasen’s blood alcohol content was 0.17%.
Memorial ride organizer Adam Garrison said he did not know Jhoser personally, but when his friend approached him about the memorial ride, he felt it was important to find a way to remember Jhoser.
Garrison said he counted 102 people on the route.
“We just want to raise awareness and show that these bikers really do stand together,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what kind of bike you’re on. If something happens, then you’ve got all of us here to support you.”
Jhoser’s stepfather Ruben Sanchez said Jhoser was a hard worker and student, and was the life of the house.
“Now my family is destroyed. But we want justice. That’s more important,” Reuben said. “All of the community needs justice.”
A cross was placed on the side of the road to honor Jhoser, and Ruben said the cross was important, and it was special to see so many people show up for his stepson.
“I can see people loved Jhoser, and that is amazing to me,” he said.
Garrison said the cross was placed to show the community what happened, and to show that Jhoser was, and still is, cared for.
“Jesus died on the cross for us. We want to place that cross where somebody else has passed away,” he said. “I don’t know about him or anything, but hopefully he’s in heaven with Jesus.”
