Memorial Motorcycle Ride For Man Killed In Wrong Way Crash
DAVIE (CBSMiami) - Dozens gathered in Davie on Friday night for a memorial motorcycle ride in honor a man killed in a wrong way crash last week.
At the weekly car show in a parking lot at the Tower Shops, the air filled with the sound of revving motorcycle engines and the din of people sharing memories of Norman Mello, 42.
"I've lost a very big part of my life," said his brother, Scott.
Norman Mello died last Saturday night, July 19th, on I-95 near the Dolphin Expressway. The Florida Highway Patrol says a wrong way driver hit Mello's motorcycle head-on. Mello landed in the driver's car and died at the scene. Investigators say the woman driving the wrong way survived the crash and is in the hospital. No charges have been filed at this point and FHP says they are awaiting the results of toxicology tests.
READ: 911 Callers Describe Deadly Wrong-Way I-95 Motorcycle Crash
Mello's close friends could not understand why a man who gave so much of himself was taken away at the age of 42.
"I know he's up there smiling right now," said friend Terrie Hornick. "I don't think he realized how many lives he touched."
Mello was remembered as a man who loved his friends, his motorcycle, his car and who worked to make life better for others.
"Norman wasn't a person who had possessions," said his brother, Scott. "Norman was a person who what he had, you had."
Scott Mello said he and his brother battled addiction and helped others overcome theirs.
"He helped a lot of people through a lot of that," Scott said.
On Friday night people stared at pictures of Norman while his favorite pair of boots and hat sat atop his car and even his dog, Diamond, made an appearance. Those who knew him said Norman Mello will be deeply missed.
"Sad," said Tom Borden. "We lost another good man in this world."
As the crowd prayed and remembered what this man meant to them, their most important act on this night was to do what Norman Mello loved -- climb on board a motorcycle, surrounded by friends and enjoy the freedom of the ride.
READ: Friends Remember Victim In Deadly I-95 Wrong-Way Crash
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