A couple from Hamilton is urging drivers to stay vigilant after their son was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident.
This plea comes just one week after their 23-year-old son, Connor, lost his life in a collision while riding his motorcycle on Eastport Drive near the Burlington Skyway Bridge.
“He got a motorcycle this year and he enjoyed life, he smiled, he met a community. He travelled from Niagara Falls past Vaughan. The bike was his world when he wasn’t at work,” said CJ Opdam, Connor’s mother.
Both CJ and John have been motorcycle enthusiasts for years. They mentioned they had just one opportunity to ride together as a family.
“We had the chance this year to take what we call the “Niagara scenic route”. So we rode as a family and that’s something I’ll always cherish,” CJ said.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) report that the accident involving Connor included a 74-year-old man driving an SUV who turned left directly in front of him onto Beach Boulevard.
The investigation is still ongoing and no charges have been filed yet.
: Motorcyclist killed after crash on Eastport Drive under Burlington Skyway
Connor worked as an airplane mechanic at Hamilton’s John C. Munro Airport, which his family says he loved doing. He graduated from Mohawk College two years ago.
“He wore his heart on his sleeve, cared about everybody. We’re proud of him, of everything he’s done,” John said.
“I never introduced him as my friend or my best friend. It was always ‘this is my big brother Connor’,” said Claudia Johnstone, Connor’s childhood friend.
“He was one of the most compassionate people I’ve ever met in my life and I know everyone says that. But this guy, his soul was literally just an A+ kind of person,” Johnstone said.
This Friday night, CJ and John will be meeting many of Connor’s other friends for the first time-his “two wheel community” as they call it-which includes Dylan Caressa, who rode with Connor at least once a week.
“I ride with him because he’s safe. A lot of riders I won’t even dare go on a ride with them just cause I don’t trust them,” Caressa said.
A family friend has started a Go Fund Me campaign for Connor’s parents and older brother to help cover funeral costs.
A celebration of life will take place at Smith’s Funeral Home in Stoney Creek on Oct. 3.
: Motorcyclist seriously injured in Burlington Skyway crash
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