Hundreds join memorial ride honoring North Carolina man killed in motorcycle crash

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – Family, friends, first responders and fellow motorcyclists are remembering Dennis Koch.

He died on August 18, after investigators say a person drove through a stop sign near the intersection of Sunset Road and Old Statesville Road and hit Dennis’ motorcycle. His wife, Crystal Ashe, was injured in the crash.

Anyone who knew Dennis knows he loved his motorcycle.

“His love was his bike, besides Crystal,” said Dennis’ dad, Norman Koch. “Crystal was his life.”

It’s only fitting the community celebrate him with a memorial ride.

“This is the way that we could show him how much we love him, how much we appreciate him, how much he’s meant to our community and how very badly we’re going to miss him,” said Brad Kinard, one of Dennis’ friends.

Hundreds of bikers met about two miles from the scene of the crash Sunday afternoon and made the trip down Old Statesville Road in honor of their fallen friend “Deebo,” as they called him. There were deputies from the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, the sheriff himself and members of dozens of biker groups.

“This is a tight community and patch or no patch, club or no club, he was a brother to all of us,” said Kinard.

They ended their ride where a memorial is set up for Deebo. It’s made up of flowers, ballons, stuffed animals and debris from the crash.

“He was a great man,” said Norman. “He did a lot for his friends as I’m sure you saw today in the tribute and I’m so proud of this man.”

Norman was blown away by the show of support. He watched as people placed items at the memorial, and listened as others shared what they’ll miss most about his son.

“He was always there,” said Trevor Huffstetler. “You could give him a call and he was on his way. Didn’t matter what time of day or how far he was.”

Others will remember him for his spirit.

“His laugh, his smile, his bear hugs, his willingness to do anything for anybody,” said Jason Rahme, who helped organize the memorial ride.

Beyond his service to the community, those who knew him best hope this tragedy will be a reminder to drivers on the roads.

“They need to look twice and be vigilant, get off their cell phones,” said Rahme.

There’s now a sign on the pole next to the memorial, which reads “look twice, save a life.”

“Charlotte is a very dangerous place to ride a motorcycle, and it’s our passion,” said Kinard. “It’s what we love. And we know it’s inherently dangerous, but we can only do so much to make it safe.”

Ashe remains in the hospital but was able to get out on Sunday to visit the funeral home and see Dennis’ body. She got to watch the tribute on Facetime. Ashe is expected to spend a few more weeks recovering from her injuries before she can go home.

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