A Rutherford County community is coming together to remember and honor Jonathan "Mohawk" Hamilton, a 43-year-old bicyclist who was tragically struck and killed on his way to work last Friday morning. According to WSMV, the incident occurred around 6:17 a.m., when a vehicle hit Hamilton as he cycled on Old Nashville Highway near Creekmont Drive.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol reported that Hamilton's bicycle was subsequently hit by two other vehicles, leading to additional injuries among the drivers involved. As the investigation continues, no charges have been filed in connection to the crash. Reflecting on Hamilton's influence in their lives, members of the community have begun to organize events to celebrate his memory. The Front Street Pub in Smyrna, where Hamilton was a regular, is planning a "Mohawk Afterlife Party" on November 24, as confirmed by WKRN.
Thomas Williams, pub owner, described Hamilton's impact, stating, "You know that old saying, 'Be the light that people want to see?' That’s exactly what he was. He was the light that people wanted to see." Likewise, fellow pub regular and Hamilton's former roommate, Russell Pyle, shared in a statement obtained by WKRN, "I lost my wife seven years ago, and he was God’s send to me to get over this patch. I was blessed for him to be in my life for that period of time, and I learned as much off of him as I hope he learned a little bit from me."
In addition, Faded Domain, a favorite local band of Hamilton's, is scheduled to perform a tribute concert at Seasons of Murfreesboro this Saturday, details provided by NewsChannel5. The community has rallied together to support Hamilton's family, with a GoFundMe campaign initially launched to assist with funeral expenses. Hamilton's family now encourages donations to be made in his memory to Bike Friendly Atlanta, a nonprofit advocating for safer biking environments. Jake Leroy, a close friend of Hamilton for over 20 years, urged drivers to "be aware of your surroundings when you’re driving," and to "take care of each other," according to remarks published by NewsChannel5.
