Family’s heartbreaking plea 10 years after young motorcyclist’s death: ‘Every person deserves to get home safely’

Jay Reardon was just 21 when he died

The family of a young County Down man who died in a motorcycle crash a decade ago have issued a heartfelt appeal to all road users, urging them to remember that “every person deserves to get home safely.”

Jay Reardon was just 21 when he died on 31 July 2016 after the motorcycle he was riding was involved in a single-vehicle collision on Belfast Road in Newtownards. No other vehicle was involved.

Marking the 10th anniversary of his death, Jay’s sisters say the pain of losing him has never gone away—and hope that by sharing his story, another family might be spared the same heartbreak.

‘Every decision you make on the road matters’

Laura Reardon said the family’s message is simple but important.

“If there’s one message we’d like people to take away, it’s that every decision you make on the road matters. Whether you’re driving a car, riding a motorbike, cycling or simply crossing the road, we all have a responsibility to look out for one another.”

Jay was passionate about football, playing for local teams, and was a lifelong Arsenal supporter. He had also achieved what his family describe as his “dream job”, becoming an engineering lecturer at South Eastern Regional College in Bangor at the age of 20.

He was equally passionate about motorcycles, buying his first moped as soon as he was legally able to ride.

Laura said:

“I think what Jay enjoyed most about being on the bike was the freedom of it, and the community within bikers. There is a mutual understanding regarding the risks involved, and a huge amount of respect for the roads and each other.”

A decade of missed milestones

The years since Jay’s death have been filled with moments his family wish he could have shared.

“We can’t share the news of buying our first homes, getting that dream job, attending graduations with him and celebrating all of our wins together,” Laura said.

“It brings me great sadness Jay won’t be able to experience some of the most important things in life we all go through. Like falling in love, getting married, having children and travelling the world.

“Life hasn’t been the same since Jay passed, like there is now a void that will never be filled.”

His sister Anna was only 11 years old when Jay died.

She remembers her older brother as funny, mischievous and always looking after her.

“There are times where I think, ‘I’d love Jay to see this’, or ‘I wish Jay was here with me’,” she said.

“I just hope he’s looking over us all, and can see how far we’ve come.

“It feels like a lifetime since we’ve had Jay in our lives but, at the same time, it feels like yesterday that we got the worst news ever; that Jay has passed away in a motorbike accident.”

For Jay’s youngest sister, Susi, the anniversary carries extra significance as she approaches the age Jay was when he died.

“As I approach my 21st birthday, it breaks my heart to realise that this is all Jay ever got to experience in life,” she said.

“He should have had so much more to see, so much more to do, and so many more memories to make.

“I often wish we could go back to that morning and have just one more day of normality before our lives changed forever.

“Jay will always be part of us. He was a cheeky, intelligent and loving brother who brought so much laughter into our lives. Those ordinary moments are the ones you never realise you’ll miss until they’re gone.

“If sharing Jay’s story encourages even one person to be more aware, to take extra care, or to make one safer decision before setting off on a journey, then his legacy will continue to make a difference.”

A message for every road user

The sisters hope Jay’s story will encourage motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians alike to think about the consequences of every decision made on the road.

Laura urged drivers to remain vigilant for motorcycles.

“For drivers, we would ask that you take an extra second to look for motorcyclists. Bikes can be easy to miss, but the consequences of not seeing one can be devastating. A moment’s impatience or distraction can change a family’s life forever.”

She also encouraged bikers to enjoy riding while recognising the risks involved.

“Enjoy the freedom that comes with riding but never become complacent. Wear the right protective gear, ride within your limits, and always expect the unexpected.”

Laura added:

“The road is something we all share. A little more patience, respect and awareness could save someone’s son, daughter, brother, sister, mum or dad.

“Jay wasn’t just a motorcyclist—he was a beloved son, brother, friend, teacher and colleague.

“Every rider is someone’s loved one, and every person deserves to get home safely.”

Anna echoed that appeal, warning that a single moment can change countless lives.

“One split-second action or decision can change countless lives forever.

“You don’t want your family to receive the same heart-breaking news that ours did. Your actions on the road don’t just affect you, they also affect others. Equally, you don’t want to be responsible for someone else’s family receiving the worst news.

“Be careful and be considerate, especially towards motorcyclists. Please be aware that motorcyclists don’t have the same protection on the road as car drivers, and it’s your responsibility to ensure that everyone on the road is kept safe.”

Susi urged riders not to let good weather lead to unnecessary risks.

“No matter how careful you are, there is always the possibility of the unexpected. None of us ever think we will become part of the statistics, until tragedy changes everything.

“As the weather improves, more people will be out enjoying their bikes and the open roads. Please don’t let the sunshine change the way you protect yourself. Always dress for the slide, not the ride. The right protective clothing could make all the difference.

“It’s also important to remember that not every serious road traffic collision involves excessive speed, drugs or alcohol. Sometimes devastating accidents happen in a split second, without warning. It could happen to anyone.

“Please continue to enjoy the roads, whether you’re travelling by bike or by car, with friends or family, but never lose sight of how precious life is. No journey or moment of fun is worth the heartbreak that can be left behind for those who love you.”

https://youtube.com/shorts/FZnZuHsct00

This video has been made with the kind permission and participation of Jay’s family.

Ten years after Jay’s death, his family hope their loss serves as a reminder that every journey carries responsibility—and that one moment of care, patience or awareness could save a life.