Memorial ride for cyclist from Franklin, Tennessee, who died in a suspected accident under the influence of alcohol

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) – More than 300 cyclists and pedestrians gathered in Franklin on Sunday to remember a man who was struck and killed while riding his bike last December.

Matthew Paritz was a popular local athlete, husband, father of two, and deacon of the Olive Branch Church.

“He was just a good friend, he loved everyone, he never met strangers,” Matthew’s wife, Donya Paritz, told News 2.

The goal of the Matthew Paritz Memorial Ride on Sunday, June 30, was to raise awareness about cyclist and pedestrian safety on the streets of Franklin. Ned Dannenberg, president of Bike Walk Franklin, said organizers received great support from the community and participation was three times higher than originally expected.

“Just an incredible outpouring of concern from both his church and people in Franklin who didn’t necessarily know Matthew but said, ‘I ride my bike, I walk the streets just like that and this could have happened to me,’ and I think that’s what’s scary and disturbing,” Dannenberg explained.

On December 16, 2023, Franklin Police responded to a fatal crash involving Matthew and a vehicle on Mack Hatcher Parkway near Liberty Pike. According to authorities, the driver of the vehicle – Denilson Jose Hidalgo-Orozco, 23, of Washington state – was charged with driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter following the incident.

Tizgel High trained with Matthew a few years ago when the two were preparing for a triathlon together.

“Matthew was always the kind of person who would get us going with the music and get us going in the mornings, but also someone you could talk to about things that were bothering you or just talk through problems,” said High. “He was always willing to listen and was just an encourager.”

High recalled that she also rode alongside Matthew and his friend Jason, who she said was also injured in the accident.

“(They were) always safe on the bike. I was new to cycling; I always looked to the two of them for protection and support and to make sure we followed the rules of the road. So everyone has to be super careful. Even for the safest riders, it can be challenging,” High said.

Funds raised during the memorial ride will benefit Matthew’s two teenage daughters. Organizers had set a goal of raising $50,000 in scholarship money for them and exceeded that goal shortly before the ride began.

“I just miss him and he was the best father I could have asked for,” said Matthew’s daughter Micah.

While Donya still mourns the loss of her husband, she hopes Matthew’s story will remind drivers of what is at stake before they get behind the wheel.

“It’s overwhelming, in a positive way, that so many people have come and been there for us today… If they see cyclists or pedestrians, they should slow down and keep a distance of one meter if possible. If that had happened, we wouldn’t be here today,” Donya told News 2.