Bristol, Tennessee is left in shock after 43‑year‑old Daniel Larkin died Thursday evening following a crash involving his motorized bicycle and a van. The collision happened just after 4:30 p.m. at the busy intersection of Island Road and Walnut Hill Road, where neighbors and drivers often pass on their way home.
Police from the Bristol Tennessee Police Department rushed to the scene after calls came in reporting a serious crash between a motorized bicycle and a van. Larkin was found seriously hurt when first responders arrived. Within minutes, he was loaded into an ambulance and taken to Bristol Regional Medical Center, but doctors there were unable to save him.
Those who knew Larkin describe him as a familiar face in the neighborhood — someone who waved at folks passing by and took pride in fixing up his wheels. Friends say his sudden death has shaken the community, turning a quiet Thursday night into a heartbreaking one.
Officials haven’t released a full account of what caused the crash, and the investigation is ongoing. Investigators are asking anyone who saw what happened or who has video of the intersection at that time to contact the Bristol police.
For many in Bristol, Larkin’s death is a stark reminder of how quickly life can change at a familiar crosswalk or corner. Road safety advocates point out that motorized bicycles can travel fast and put riders at serious risk in collisions with larger vehicles.
Friends and family have begun gathering at local spots where Larkin liked to hang out, sharing memories and photos of him smiling, talking with neighbors and tinkering with his bike. Although there are no public funeral details yet, a planned memorial is expected soon.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to call Officer James Owens at the Bristol police department. The community continues to mourn and hold Larkin’s loved ones in their thoughts through this very painful time.
