At a time when many people are facing hard choices about how to support themselves, I would like to take this moment and this column of print to remember someone lost in the struggle.
Last month, a 19-year-old man named Jeremy Johnson was killed while riding his bicycle across Tunnel Road. He was headed to his home in Haw Creek after a late shift in Wal-Mart’s produce department. Jeremy was a cyclist out of necessity, having chosen to work and live modestly, without a car, so that his wife could be at home with their three young children. On the night he died, he was using the bike to carry home groceries for them.
His aunt, Diane Austin, expressed gratitude that he had married and had a family so young; it gave him time to know the love of a wife and children. He was proud to be adopting his stepdaughter. His colleagues describe a kind young man always ready to help. Jeremy’s family is comforted to know he was able to help others as an organ donor.
You may choose to join Jeremy’s colleagues and friends in contributing to the memorial fund for his children at any First Citizen’s Bank. Asheville on Bikes is collecting money to help the family pay funeral expenses; donations can be made at Pro Bikes on Haywood Road.
— Sandy Tarantino
Asheville
I didn’t know there was a fund going. Thanks for this, Sandy.