Certainly. Here’s a longer, thoughtful piece that honors Vaughn Cotton and also reflects on the broader implications of his tragic passing:
He Died Doing Something Most of Us Do Without Thinking
Vaughn Cotton was simply riding his bike. Something so routine, so ordinary—something many of us do without a second thought. He wasn’t speeding down a mountain trail or weaving through heavy traffic. He was riding down the road, headed home on a Monday night. But this ordinary act ended in tragedy.
Cotton, 63, never made it home. Just east of Jackson Street, he was struck by a Mazda. It was dark. The street lacked bike lanes. Within minutes of the crash, Cotton succumbed to his injuries. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated fully with police. No alcohol or drugs were involved. It was, as the reports say, just a tragic accident.
But it’s never just a tragic accident. Not when a man loses his life. Not when a family loses a father, a grandfather, a friend, a neighbor. Not when a life ends in the middle of something so ordinary.
Vaughn’s death hits hard because it reveals the hidden dangers in what should be simple, everyday acts. Riding a bike should not be a death sentence. It should not come with fear or fatal consequences. Yet for many, especially in areas without proper cycling infrastructure, it too often does.
This isn’t just about Vaughn, though we mourn him deeply. This is about how we build our streets. This is about whether our communities truly value all who use the road—not just those in cars. A painted stripe on asphalt isn’t enough. A city without bike lanes is a city where some are simply less safe.
Vaughn’s story reminds us of our shared vulnerability. Whether you’re behind the wheel, on two wheels, or on foot, we all share the road. And we all deserve to feel safe doing so.
To his family and friends: We are so sorry. We offer you our comfort, though we know it can never fill the void left behind. May Vaughn’s memory be a blessing, and may his passing prompt real conversations—real changes—about how we protect people like him.
Because no one should die doing something as simple as riding a bike home.
Would you like to personalize this more—add a quote from a friend or family member, or include some local context about road safety where this happened?