Jefferson County authorities have released the name of a 64-year-old motorcyclist killed in a hit-and-run collision on a Birmingham interstate.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Melvin Gordon. He lived in Pleasant Grove and was a longtime member and president of the Tru-Riders Motorcycle Club in Birmingham.
“My dad was a hardworking man who worked for Acipco for 38 years,” said his daughter, Tiondra Cockrell. “He had a deep, deep love for motorcycles, and he was the president of the Tru-Riders which he dedicated many years to.”
“But, still, family was always his first priority,” Cockrell said. “I want the person that took his life to be brought to justice because he never deserved that at all. The void and hole that this has left in our family can never be fixed.”
The collision occurred around 8:30 p.m. Saturday the 12th on I-59 North near Arkadelphia Road.
Gordon was leaving a Tru-Riders event on Bankhead Highway when he was struck. Sergeant Bryan Shelton said officers arrived at the location to find Gordon and his motorcycle down in the roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:02 p.m.
Shelton said an unknown SUV collided with Gordon and fled the scene. No description of the SUV was available.
Numerous social media tributes for Gordon have been made since his death.
“This man was the most genuine, nice, funny, loveable man on the MC set,” said one woman.
“You were a genuine guy who was loved and respected by all that were privileged to meet you,” said another.
“Melvin, your tragic passing hurt us all, but we know that the life you lived and beautiful spirit that you spread amongst each life you touched was welcomed in the arms of your Heavenly Father.”
No arrests in the hit-and-run have been announced at this time.