7/12/12 Goodbye Jessie Taylor

-Written by KC

Life is Precious

We often hear people say these words without really giving it much thought, but when you really stop and think about it, it's true that life can be here one second, and gone the next. This is what has happened to a friend, and brother of the CrossFit community in Kona, Jessie Taylor.

Jessie was 52 years old and died doing what he loved, cycling. He was lost Thursday (July 12) from injuries he sustained in a motor vehicle/bicycle crash on Akoni Pule Highway at the 19-mile marker in the North Kohala District.

According to newspapers, North Kohala patrol officers determined that a 16-year-old girl from Hawi was operating a 2003 Nissan Frontier pickup truck and traveling east on Akoni Pule Highway when she apparently fell asleep, drifted off the right side of the highway and struck the bicyclist, who was on the shoulder of the road and also traveling east. The driver of the truck and her mother, a 45-year-old Hawi woman, were not injured. It is unknown at this time if speed, alcohol or drugs were involved. This is the 15th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 12 at this time last year.

...contagious positive attitude...

Jessie was on a 4 day trip around the Big Island and on the last 2 mile stretch of the first day's ride. This is how ambitious he was, a 4 day bike ride around the Big Island probably meant joy to him. Jessie and I had trained together on many occasions at the same gym in Kona, Crossfit Ali'i. When I was there he was the highlight of the workout group! He ALWAYS had this contagious positive attitude, child-like curiosity, and loveable nature. He and I were both short in stature, so we'd joke around about that and tease each other, lovingly of course and always with lots of smiles. What a bright, lovely man he was. Such a loving husband, he would tell me of the biking trips he took with his wife whom he adored. Such a passionate man will surely be missed by all who knew him. Our blessings and prayers go out to Jessie's wife, family, friends and CrossFit community. Jessie will definitely be remembered, he was unforgettable.

Drivers, be careful. Cyclists, ride safe. 

Enjoy each moment, love each other and let it show.

Farewell Jessie.