Candlelight Vigil to be Held for County Employee Killed in Motorcycle Crash
Tyler 'Bones' Cowherd is being remembered as a 'sweet guy' whose concern would be for the woman driving the striking vehicle, his sister said.
"He was a wonderful, wonderful guy who had the best smile," Kitty Boyd said.
Boyd is the sister of William Tyler 'Bones' Cowherd who was killed in a motorcycle crash last weekend when his 2008 Harley Davidson and a Lexus sedan, driven by a 63-year-old Maryland woman, collided.
"His concern would be that this woman will have to live with this the rest of her life," Boyd said in a voicemail message. "That's just what kind of guy he was."
A preliminary investigation has revealed, according to police, that the driver of the sedan was traveling westbound on Braddock Road when she attempted to turn left on Twinbrook; turning into the path of Cowherd and another motorcyclist who were traveling east on Braddock Road.
The motorcyclist traveling alongside Cowherd at the time of the incident has been identified as a 50-year-old Manassas-area man. Cowherd's wife was a passenger on her husband's bike when the crash happened Saturday, July 16, arond 7 p.m.
Both were taken to Fairfax Hospital that evening and are expected to recover from their injuries.
Boyd said Cowherd's wife has undergone several surgeries after breaking her hip, pelvis and both of her hands. The other motorcyclist suffered a broken leg, ankle and hand.
Both men applied their brakes but could not stop in time, police said, striking the passenger side of the sedan.
All were wearing helmets; speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash. Still, the investigation is ongoing.
Cowherd was employed by Prince William County's Neighborhood Services Division of the Department of Public Works. According to its website, he was chief property code inspector for the department. He lived in Annandale with his wife.
"Everbody loved him; he loved his daughter and was a great father," Boyd said.
Boyd said Cowherd got the nickname 'Bones' because of his biker status and skinny build.
A post on Cowherd's Facebook page reads: "Will always remember you. Now ride on in Heaven, my brother."
Loved ones are holding a candlelight vigil at the crash scene at the intersection of Braddock and Twinbrook roads tonight at 8 p.m.
Memorial services are Friday night and the funeral is Saturday at National Memorial.
Rich Anderson
8:57 am on Friday, July 22, 2011
Tyler was an invaluable part of the Neighborhood Services Division and worked hard to make Prince William County a great place in which to live, work, and serve. He left a truly positive and memorable mark on our community, and we were blessed that he was called to public service.
Rich Anderson
yvette eid
1:58 pm on Friday, July 22, 2011
Tyler you are so missed by so many people, your smile will always carry on in my heart.....love u....yvette
John Carlson
2:46 pm on Friday, July 22, 2011
Tyler, my brother, you were one of the best people I have ever known. Your heart was always open to everyone and your light brightened the world for us all. I love you, Tyler, and will miss you terribly.