ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – An Army veteran and St. Augustine native was killed late July 16 when another driver crossed into oncoming traffic and struck his motorcycle at an intersection, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. His family now needs help laying him to rest.
Troopers said Aaron Wade Hunter, 56, was driving north on Coastal Highway and moved into the southbound lane while trying to pass another vehicle. A 25-year-old driver struck the motorcycle, knocking Hunter onto the shoulder. He was wearing a helmet and died at the scene, FHP said.
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The other driver was not injured. His vehicle came to rest on the west shoulder of the road after striking a Circle K gas price sign, FHP said.
It was not immediately clear Wednesday whether charges have been filed or are pending against the other driver.
In a GoFundMe, Hunter’s family described him as a deeply devoted son, brother, and caregiver who had overcome significant hardship in his life. Hunter served in the United States Army before experiencing a period of homelessness, which his family said he overcame through determination and faith. In recent years, he had been working two jobs while caring for aging family members.
Hunter’s sister, Alicia Harper, said that Hunter had cared for their mother throughout her battle with cancer until her death in 2023, and remained by their father’s side until his unexpected passing in 2025.
On the night he was killed, Harper wrote, Hunter had just finished his second job and was stopping at a store before heading to check on his aunt.
“Wade was so much more than the tragedy that took him,” Harper wrote. “He was a deeply loved son, brother, father, nephew, uncle, loyal friend, veteran, surfer, and one of the hardest-working people you could ever meet.”
The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral and burial expenses, intending to lay Hunter to rest beside his parents.