Family Of Pedestrian Killed In Chouteau Motorcycle Crash Remembers Him

The family of a Chouteau man is devastated after Mayes County Deputies say he was hit by a motorcyclist and killed while walking down Main Street in Chouteau.

The crash happened Thursday night.

The family of John Farmer, known to some of his friends and family as JP, say he was fun, never knew a stranger, and always had a smile on his face.

They are still in shock he died doing something as simple as walking down the street.

"He was just an innocent bystander,” said Farmer’s uncle, also named John Farmer. “It's just senseless what happened. I just hope to God nobody else has to go through this."

Farmer says when he got the call that his nephew was hit by a motorcyclist fleeing law enforcement, he couldn’t believe it.

"You never expect it,” said Farmer. “You're never ready for it. Something like this is such a tragedy on both sides."

Farmer’s family says he impacted so many people’s lives- from making them smile at the grocery store to helping them through a rough time.

"I think if there was anything he would want anyone to remember from all of this, is not how devastating it was,” said Rita Baez, Farmer’s sister. “But to remember to be true to themselves. He was always about trying to be the best that he could be."

Farmer and Baez hope people will learn how important it is to be aware of your surroundings and to enjoy every moment with family and friends.

"Just grab your loved ones and hold on to them because you never know whether or not you're going to see them again,” said Farmer.

Both Farmer’s uncle and his sister say they are trying to stay strong for each other and their family- and will miss him terribly.

"Make sure you spend time with the ones you love,” said Baez. “Because you never know. And you don't want to live with the regret of, 'I should've.' Or "I could've.'"

The Mayes County Sheriff’s Office says the person driving the motorcycle, Brent Maner, also died at the scene.

The Mayes County Sheriff’s Office says OHP is investigating.