A Texas family is facing an unimaginable loss after a night spent honoring a fallen Marine turned into a personal tragedy just 24 hours later. Vanessa Tedeton-Ramirez and her husband, Henry, had joined fellow motorcyclists escorting a fallen Marine home. The following night, their own son, 32-year-old Robert Donald Ramirez, was killed in a motorcycle crash near his home.
According to KBTX and the Bryan Police Department, the crash happened Wednesday night, November 11, in the 900 block of Finfeather Road near South Bryan Avenue in Bryan, Texas.
A family’s act of honor became a heartbreaking coincidence
On Tuesday night, Vanessa and Henry joined dozens of riders traveling through rain and darkness to help escort the body of 18-year-old U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Francisco “Frankie” Benavides Jr. back to College Station. Benavides died following a motorcycle crash in Washington, D.C.
The riders came together to honor the young Marine and support his grieving family. Just one day later, the Ramirez family was dealing with a devastating loss of its own.
What police say happened in the Texas crash
Police said officers were called to the crash at approximately 10:09 p.m. Wednesday. Investigators reported that Ramirez was traveling northbound on Finfeather Road when he failed to control his speed and navigate a curve.
He was thrown from the motorcycle and left the roadway near Groesbeck Street. Officers found him and began life-saving efforts before Bryan Fire Department EMS transported him to CHI St. Joseph Hospital, where he later died.
Police said Ramirez was not wearing a helmet. The investigation remains ongoing.
Remembering Robert Ramirez
Ramirez’s mother described him as funny, kind and deeply loved. She told KBTX that motorcycles had been a passion of his since childhood. He also enjoyed spending time at the gun range and making people laugh.
She said Robert had been baptized the previous year and that his faith had become an important part of his life. He worked for RXcrew in Hearne and had recently accepted a second job with US Modules in Bryan.
His mother said he was only about a mile from home when the crash happened. The family is now left with 32 years of memories and a loss that is difficult to put into words.
His mother’s message to Texas riders: Wear your helmet
As the family grieves, Vanessa is asking other motorcyclists to learn from her son’s death and protect themselves by wearing a helmet.
“Please wear your helmets. This is one of the only times he didn’t, and it may have contributed to our loss,” she told KBTX.
Her message reached beyond riders, too. She urged parents and families to cherish the time they have with the people they love, reminding everyone that no one knows when a loved one may be taking their last ride home.
A reminder about motorcycle safety
A helmet cannot prevent every motorcycle fatality, but wearing a properly fitted, approved helmet is one of the most important steps riders can take to reduce the risk of fatal or serious head injury. Riders should also manage speed for curves and road conditions, stay alert, and never ride beyond their ability or the conditions.
This crash remains under investigation, and the information released so far is preliminary. TVBikerDad will update this report if authorities release additional details.
Help the Ramirez family
According to KBTX, the family is accepting donations to help cover Robert’s memorial service expenses. Those wishing to help can contribute through his mother’s Cash App: $vrtrlre. Please verify the account details with the family before sending money.
Motorcycle crash? Know where to find help
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle crash, visit the TVBikerDad Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help page for information about independent legal resources. TVBikerDad is not a law firm, and submitting an inquiry does not hire an attorney or create an attorney-client relationship.
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Source: KBTX reporting and information attributed to the Bryan Police Department. This article is an independent rewrite for TVBikerDad.com.