News Summary
A memorial ride honoring 21-year-old motorcyclist Kodie Morocco took place in Knoxville, drawing family, friends, and motorcycle enthusiasts to raise awareness about motorcycle safety. Following the tragic accident that claimed Morocco’s life, attendees emphasized the need for vigilance among drivers, particularly in larger vehicles. Organizers, including Kodie’s mother, seek to increase motorcycle safety awareness and improve safety measures at the crash site to prevent future tragedies.
Knoxville – On July 20, 2025, a memorial ride took place in Knoxville to honor 21-year-old motorcyclist Kodie Morocco, who tragically lost his life in a multi-vehicle crash on July 8, 2025. The event gathered family, friends, and fellow motorcycle enthusiasts at Bootlegger Harley-Davidson, before proceeding to the crash site to pay tribute and raise awareness about motorcycle safety.
Kodie Morocco died when his motorcycle collided with an SUV at the intersection of North Broadway and Rose Drive. The accident occurred around 8:45 a.m. as the SUV attempted to cross all four lanes of traffic to access a nearby shopping center. Morocco’s motorcycle struck the passenger side of the SUV, which subsequently hit a building. Emergency responders pronounced Morocco dead at the scene, while the driver of the SUV was transported to the hospital with injuries.
The memorial ride not only served as a remembrance for Kodie but also aimed to highlight the critical issue of motorcycle safety. Attendees of the event emphasized the need for greater awareness on the roads, especially from drivers of larger vehicles. Scobey Long, a sales associate at Bootlegger Harley-Davidson, pointed out the importance of supporting fallen riders and their families in the community. Additionally, Travis Walker, a sales manager, called for extra caution whenever drivers pull out into traffic, reiterating the need for vigilance among all road users.
Kodie’s family and friends remembered him as a lively and joyful person who brought happiness to those around him. He leaves behind a 5-year-old son named Milan, who is now without his father. Kathleen, Kodie’s mother, played a key role in organizing the memorial ride, aiming to not only honor her son but also to push for increased motorcycle safety awareness among drivers. She urged others to be more mindful of motorcycles on the roads, particularly during good weather when motorcyclists are more prevalent.
In light of this tragic event, Kodie’s family is advocating for improved safety measures at the crash site, including the installation of new traffic lights and barriers in accident-prone areas to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Knoxville has made progress in reducing the overall number of motorcycle crashes year-over-year, though the retention of fatalities remains a pressing concern. Over the past three years, motorcycle fatalities have accounted for nearly 19% of all deadly crashes in the county. In 2024 alone, Knox County recorded a total of 73 motorcycle crashes, 11 of which were fatal, representing about 22% of all deadly incidents for that year. Local law enforcement encourages both drivers and motorcyclists to prioritize safety to create a safer environment for everyone on the road.
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Additional Resources
- WATE: Friends & Family Remember Knoxville Motorcyclist with Memorial Ride
- MSN: Motorcycle Passenger Killed in Crash on Northshore Drive
- Knox News: Motorcyclist Killed in Crash on Broadway, Knoxville
- WBIR: Knox County 2nd Highest Number of Motorcycle Crashes in State
- San Luis Obispo: Local News
- Wikipedia: Motorcycle Safety
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
