Donald King, 58, was thrown from his motorcycle on I-4 near Titusville last weekend after being struck by a vehicle driven by Edwin Amaya Reyes, according to booking records. King remains hospitalized in Orlando with serious injuries, his family said. The crash occurred as Bike Week events in Daytona Beach were concluding, a timing that has amplified calls for caution among motorcyclists and drivers.
Lauren Friess, King’s best friend from Titusville, said the incident has left her “heartbroken.” The two often rode motorcycles together, she said. “You see these accidents on the news and you think, ‘Oh, prayers for that person,’ but you don’t think it’ll happen to someone you care about,” Friess said. “It’s a wake-up call.”
Reyes, 34, was arrested on charges including DUI, driving without a license, hit-and-run, and causing serious bodily injury. A booking report also notes an immigration detainer is pending against him. He is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment in about three weeks. Police said Reyes was not legally allowed to drive at the time of the crash.
Friess is using social media to share details about the case and urge drivers to avoid impaired behavior. “This could have been prevented,” she said. “People need to stay alert, especially during events like Bike Week when traffic increases.” Local officials have not yet commented on the incident.
King’s family has not publicly discussed his condition beyond confirming he is in stable but critical condition. Friess said she hopes the case will prompt stricter enforcement of DUI laws and better road safety measures in Brevard County.