Oracio “Papo” Vallejo, 22, died after a motorcycle collision in Waco, Texas, on Monday evening.
The crash happened at about 7:29 p.m. on October 5 at the intersection of Texas Central Parkway and Bagby Avenue. Waco police officers were called to the area following reports of an auto-motorcycle collision.
According to police, Vallejo was riding a motorcycle and was turning onto Bagby Avenue when he collided with a Mitsubishi SUV traveling west on Bagby Avenue. The impact left Vallejo seriously injured.
Emergency responders transported Vallejo to a local hospital for medical treatment. Despite those efforts, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The driver of the Mitsubishi remained at the scene and has been cooperating with investigators. Authorities have not announced any arrests or criminal charges in connection with the crash.
The Waco Police Department continues to investigate the collision. Investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and determine how the collision occurred.
Vallejo was known among friends in Waco's motorcycle community for his passion for riding. His best friend, Anthony Zepeda, told KWTX that riding was a major part of Vallejo's life and described him as kindhearted, honest, loyal and willing to help others.
Friends gathered at the crash scene Tuesday evening to remember Vallejo, lighting candles and playing music in his honor. A rosary memorial was also scheduled for Wednesday evening at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Waco.
Zepeda said Vallejo had been looking forward to attending a motorcycle gathering in Houston later in the week. The two friends had also spent time riding together on Sunday, only days before the fatal collision.
The loss has deeply affected Vallejo's friends and fellow riders, who remember him not only for his love of motorcycles but also for the relationships he built within the community.
The crash remains under investigation by Waco police. Authorities have not released additional information about potential contributing factors or indicated whether any citations or charges will follow.
Oracio “Papo” Vallejo was 22 years old. His death has left family, friends and members of Waco's motorcycle community mourning a young life lost in a sudden crash.
