Community, Family Mourn Layton Cyclist Killed in Crash
Oct 10, 2018, 6:11 PM | Updated: 9:42 pm
LAYTON, Utah – Some of those people closest to Dave Long, say he was known for his love of mountain biking, but even more so for the love of his family. Long’s sister, Claire Hartman, and her husband, Karl Hartman say Long went out of his way to spend time with his children.
“He was so actively involved in his children’s lives,” Karl said. “He was their soccer coach for all three of his kids. Same season, same year.”
“They loved him and he loved them,” Claire added. “He loved being a Dad. It was his most important thing in his life, and being a good husband.”
Dave Long was killed in a crash while riding his bicycle with friends in Layton Monday night. He leaves behind a wife and three children, along with many others who are grieving his loss.
Long was killed Monday night, as he and two other friends were riding bicycles eastbound along Highway 193, near Fort Lane. According to Layton Police, a woman going the same direction suddenly swerved into the shoulder, striking Long. Police say Long had lights turned on his bicycle.
As family members work to plan a funeral, many like the Hartmans are now concerned for the three children Long leaves behind, ranging in ages from six to thirteen.
“They have a lot of great memories of him,” Claire Hartman said. “They’re young, and a lot of years will go by when he won’t be in their lives. We’ll make sure the memory goes on.”
Hartman says she will also remember her brother’s personality.
“He cared a lot about people,” Hartman said. “Very positive about people and life, and (he) was funny, had a great sense of humor (and) was fun to be around.”
Police say the driver in the crash is being cooperative. They are waiting on results from a toxicology screening, and looking into whether she may have looked down before the crash.
A fundraising page has been set up for the family: https://www.gofundme.com/dave-long-memorial-fund.
