A poker run fundraiser is being held to honor a father of four who was killed while riding his motorcycle in Marion County recently, bringing awareness to motorcycle safety in light of 10 fatal motorcycle accidents that have already occurred in 2025.
On Saturday, June 7, a poker run will be held in honor of Angel Sanchez, a 36-year-old father who was killed in a motorcycle accident along County Road 42 on April 30, 2025.
Sanchez leaves behind a wife, 12-year-old twin daughters, a 2-year-old son, and a 3-month-old girl. All proceeds from the poker run will benefit his family.
The run kicks off at DJ & Gina’s Lounge, which is located at 16535 SW 99th Avenue in Summerfield. Registration for the event will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The ride will begin at 11 a.m.
In addition to the ride, the event will feature raffles, a 50/50, an auction, live music, and food.
Stops along the way include C&D Coliseum Sports Bar in Ocala, Fire Rock Pub in Silver Springs, and Countyline Smokehouse in Weirsdale.
The cost to participate in the ride is $20 per bike/cage, and $10 per passenger. For more information on the event, contact Samantha Hibbard at 352-298-5503.
Known to his family and close friends as “Little Angel,” Sanchez was described as “a beacon of love, laughter, and light.”
“You didn’t have to know him long to feel the warmth of his presence. He had a gift for bringing people together with his humor, his deep heart, and those unforgettable, powerful hugs that made you feel truly seen and loved,” reads a statement from a GoFundMe established to support his family. “More than anything, Angel dreamed of having a family of his own and he was living that dream. He loved his wife, Erin, and their children with all his heart. He was so proud of the life they built together, and he cherished every moment with them. His family was his everything.”
Consider making a donation to the GoFundMe to support Sanchez’s family.
In the first five months of this year, there have already been 82 motorcycle crashes resulting in 10 fatalities in Marion County. In 2024, the county recorded 195 motorcycle crashes and 13 motorcycle fatalities over the whole year.
In mid-May, two motorcyclists were killed in Marion County within 24 hours of each other.
Just days before Sanchez’s accident, a 74-year-old motorcyclist was killed while traveling on County Road 25 in Marion County.
On February 23, a man was killed after his motorcycle struck another vehicle on U.S. Highway 441 in Marion County.