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San Diego Democratic Party leader Rebecca Taylor killed in motorcycle crash in Utah

The chairman of the San Diego County Democratic Party was killed in a motorcycle accident in Utah.

Rebecca “Becca” Taylor was fatally injured when she was struck from behind on her Harley-Davidson motorcycle while returning home from a trip to the state.

Her parents and many of her six siblings were at her bedside in the hospital when she died.

Taylor, a 40-year-old bisexual man, worked as an aircraft electrician in New York and volunteered with victims of sexual assault in the Navy.

The chairwoman of the San Diego County Democratic Party, Rebecca “Becca” Taylor, 40, was killed in a motorcycle accident in Utah.

Rebecca “Becca” Taylor was killed when she was hit from behind on her way home from a trip to Utah

Rebecca “Becca” Taylor was killed when she was hit from behind on her way home from a trip to Utah

Taylor's parents and most of her siblings were at her bedside in the hospital when she died

Taylor’s parents and most of her siblings were at her bedside in the hospital when she died

She joined the military in the early 2000s and served time in Afghanistan and Germany at a time when the military policy was “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which led to her being briefly married to another Marine.

In 2014, she became the first woman to chair the Veterans Caucus of the California Young Democrats, which she co-founded.

After leaving the military and graduating from San Diego State University, Taylor moved to San Diego.

She became involved in local political organization, rose through the party ranks, became the party’s top representative, and most recently served for seven months as acting chair of the SDCDP after being elected to the post last January.

In her role, she had considerable influence over political donations and recommendations.

In party politics, the chairman of the board determines who receives financial and other support from the party and who appears on influential campaign mailings.

Taylor was an avid motorcycle fanatic and often posted photos of her working on her bike or traveling on Instagram.

Her last Instagram post was just a week old, when she was in Springville, Utah, on her way to a motorcycle event with the Temecula-based motorcycle group Babes Ride Out.

Several California political figures paid tribute to Taylor on Wednesday, praising her as a strong, clear and compassionate leader.

In a statement, California Governor Gavin Newsom said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Rebecca Taylor.”

“Her commitment to public service and her remarkable impact on the San Diego community will never be forgotten,” he said. “Our thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones during this time.”

Taylor was on a bike ride in Utah when she died in an accident

Taylor was on a bike ride in Utah when she died in an accident

Taylor is seen working with her fellow Democrats in a 2014 photo

Taylor is seen working with her fellow Democrats in a 2014 photo

Taylor rose through the ranks of the San Diego County Democratic Party, becoming its top representative and most recently serving as acting chairman of the SDCDP for seven months.

Taylor rose through the ranks of the San Diego County Democratic Party, becoming its top representative and most recently serving as acting chairman of the SDCDP for seven months.

Taylor posted pictures of her bike ride on Instagram

Taylor posted pictures of her bike ride on Instagram

“Becca has had an invaluable impact on so many and led San Diego to a better future,” said Kyle Krahel-Frolander, the party’s acting chair.

“Becca was more than a leader, she was a public servant. She was a Marine veteran, an advocate for victims of sexual assault, a member of the Ocean Beach City Council and a volunteer who worked to find resources for asylum seekers,” he said.

“She embodied the best in us. We are all just beginning to process this shocking and devastating loss. Our thoughts are with Becca’s family and extended circle of loved ones and we mourn together.”

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also expressed his condolences.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Rebecca Taylor. Becca was a tremendous and passionate leader of our local Democratic Party, but she was so much more than that,” he said.

“She was a daughter, sister, veteran, friend to many and a shining light who inspired us all to live life to the fullest. Her leadership, passion and dedication to our community have left an indelible mark. Thank you, Becca, for everything. Good luck.”

Taylor was mourned in California by politicians around the world. She is pictured here with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Taylor was mourned in California by politicians around the world. She is pictured here with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Taylor was a Navy veteran and seemed to appreciate the San Diego lifestyle

Taylor was a Navy veteran and seemed to appreciate the San Diego lifestyle

Taylor seemed to have a passion for cycling and loved tinkering with her bikes along with her technical knowledge

Taylor seemed to have a passion for cycling and loved tinkering with her bikes along with her technical knowledge

His Democratic colleague Scott Peters (D-San Diego), who worked with Taylor during the election campaign, expressed his devastation in his eulogy.

“Team Peters lost one of its brightest alumni stars last night and we are heartbroken,” said a statement from Peters’ office.

“We met Becca Taylor when she was an organizer on our 2014 re-election campaign. It was a tough and tense time, but above the dull noise of a crowded campaign office, we could hear Becca’s distinctive and optimistic voice cheering others on, a one-man motto band.

“Becca was a Navy veteran, a talented and tireless advocate and organizer for democratic causes, and a true friend. Her infectious laugh, bright smile, and sparkle were ever-present. … Today we mourn the loss of a great one. This is a brutal loss for all of us. We will miss you terribly, sweet Becca. Thank you for everything.”