Motorcyclists rev their engines one last time for Darinel ‘Tito’ Merida

A candlelight vigil and memorial were held Thursday night for a 19-yearold Olivehurst man killed in an accident Sunday.

Darinel “Tito” Merida was riding his motorcycle just before noon when he collided with a car at Walton Avenue and Highway 20. Yuba City Police Department spokeswoman Shawna Pavey said the accident is still being investigated.

Luke Lindsay, a member of the New Era motorcycle riding group, which Merida had joined just weeks before his death, said the group hosted Thursday’s memorial ride in Merida’s honor.

“The memorial ride was, to say the least, emotional,” Lindsay wrote in a Facebook message.

The 22 motorcyclists met at their usual weekly meeting spot – Sonic on Gray Avenue – to surprise Merida’s par- ents, Lindsay said. Merida’s brother Chris led the motorcycle group.

Lindsay said New Era is a group of friends who get together once a week for motorcycle rides (any make and model) – sometimes up to Lake Almanor, Buck’s Lake and in the Sutter Buttes. He said the group is also involved in charity events.

“As we pulled up, we all revved our engines – in the biker community that is a way to show our love for each other. His mother and father both started to cry, which in turn made all of us cry,” Lindsay wrote. “The motorcycle community is strong, and we all support each other. Doesn’t matter your color, ethnic back ground, income. We are all on 2 wheels, enjoying the wind and freedom you feel when on our bikes.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up in Merida’s honor to help with funeral costs. Readers can find it at: https://tinyurl.com/m28yrjx.