A local father and motorcycle enthusiast was killed early Friday after striking a train in downtown Augusta, authorities said.
Jonathan Williams, 33, of Aiken, was traveling east on his motorcycle on the 600 block of Reynolds Street when he struck a southbound train on the 6th Street railroad tracks, Coroner Mark Bowen said. He was pronounced dead at 1:15 a.m. Friday.
While an investigation is underway, no autopsy is planned, the coroner said.
Williams was remembered online by a long list of friends, including Deanna Harvey, who said he had been a part of her life for over 15 years.
“From water slide parties at his house to Vegas bombs in the loft… anytime I saw jwilly, I knew I was safe and didn’t need to worry about a thing because he always took good care of me!” she said. “If I knew dirty boots was the last place I’d see you, I would have hugged your neck so much tighter. I regret never just taking the time off work to go to bike week with you over the years…. You’re an amazing friend and an even better dad…. I love you so much…. thankyou for always saving me when I got into trouble. Fly high.”
Williams posted last year that he had given his life to God.
“I decided it’s time for a change to turn a new leaf over my wicked way to stop living the way I’ve been living. To accept Jesus Christ into my life as my savior to forgive me of my sins,” he wrote. “So (I) guess this message is for ones that think the same way as I did. But I can promise you once u accept Jesus Christ u will not just be making it, you will make change.”
Williams’ Facebook page includes several photos of his motorcycle, with his children often posing on the seat. He posted artwork in November, showing an angel floating alongside a biker while he enjoys the speed of the open road.
(If you have a better photo or memory of Jonathan to share, please text it to 803-487-3224.)
