Family and SA community remember the life of a 19-year-old motorcyclist

SAN ANTONIO – The local biker community, family and friends came together Sunday afternoon to honor 19-year-old Jace Mendoza.

On May 27, according to police, Jace was cutting across multiple lanes on NW Loop 410 and Vance Jackson Road when he lost control and fell off his bike. Mendoza was struck and killed by two vehicles.

“He was everything. He was such a sweet boy, a sweet young man. He was very caring and protective of his little brothers and sisters. He was a great help to the elderly in the neighborhood. He was just an all-around good boy,” said Jessica Lujan, Jace’s mother.

Lujan says her son was a very special boy with a beautiful smile and a joker who always made everyone laugh and smile. Jace also loved riding motorcycles.

“That’s what he loved. He loved riding. He was always riding,” Lujan said.

Lujan says it was difficult to deal with Jace’s death.

“I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. My days are dark. I have to stay positive. I have three other children and my husband,” Lujan said.

On Sunday afternoon, the nonprofit organization Fallen Riders organized a memorial ride in his honor. They drove from the scene of the accident to his home, where his family was hosting a graduation party for the Clark graduate. Jace was scheduled to take the stage on Monday.

“It’s a time of unrest and chaos, but it shows how strong our backbone is and how we support each other when something like this happens,” said Zero Calderon, founder of Fallen Riders.

“I think for some families it also helps to bring closure to the situation,” says Jeanette Reyes, founder of Fallen Riders.

Jace’s family has erected a memorial in front of their house where Jace always kept his bike. The bike will remain there permanently so he will always be remembered.

“We miss him. We love him every day, every day he is in our hearts. I wish he could be here, but he is with me all the time,” Lujan said.