KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Kalamazoo Township residents and fellow motorcyclists came together this past weekend to honor Javon Houston, a 32-year-old father who was killed in a crash on Gull Road earlier this month.
Houston was struck around 4 p.m. Thursday on Gull Road between Elkerton Avenue and Colgrove Avenue. Township police said his motorcycle collided with an SUV that was turning left onto Elkerton Avenue. The SUV driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Family and friends described Houston as a father who was deeply loved by those around him. Over the weekend, they held two celebrations of his life.
On Saturday, Sept. 5, family and close friends gathered at Upjohn Park for a balloon release. The gathering featured a black and red color theme as loved ones came together to remember Houston.
The following morning, Sunday, Sept. 6, motorcyclists gathered at the Speedway near the Gull Road roundabout for a memorial bike ride. Family and friends said the ride was dedicated not only to Houston but to motorcyclists across the region who have lost their lives on the road.
Riders especially remembered two other West Michigan riders who died this year. One was 28-year-old Azariah Smith, who was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Gull Road on April 14. Smith was also a father. The other was a motorcyclist killed in a crash in downtown Plainwell on Sept. 1. As part of the memorial, the riders traveled down Gull Road toward downtown Kalamazoo.
Houston's death remains under investigation by the Township of Kalamazoo Police Department.
Anyone with information about the crash can contact police at (269) 488-8911 or anonymously through Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100.