CAPE CORAL, Fla. — The Cape Coral biker community is mourning the loss of one of their own after a devastating Mother’s Day crash on I-75 in Broward County claimed the life of Don Tupper, a man described by those who knew him as the heart of his community.
Tupper was on his Harley-Davidson, heading home after a fishing trip, when the crash occurred. The collision was catastrophic — the baby’s grandmother and great-aunt were killed at the scene, and a 9-month-old baby was rushed to a Broward County hospital but did not survive.
Tupper suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized. Friends held onto hope — but Monday brought the news nobody wanted to hear.
“I was in total disbelief because he was one of the most experienced drivers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting,” said close friend Carry Cooper. “And I’m like, how can this be?”
Cooper remembers Tupper as someone who never waited to be asked for help — he just showed up.
“Every time somebody passed or whatever, and there needed to be a ride to get money together to help — he was there. He organized a lot,” Cooper said.
From bike nights at Fathoms in Cape Coral to rallying the community during tough times, Tupper’s presence was felt everywhere.
The driver involved, 60-year-old Cira Quinones Lewis, was arrested after authorities discovered she had a suspended license. Lewis is currently in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody due to her undocumented status.
Tupper’s friends are now calling on all drivers to share the road responsibly.
“I just want people to know what an amazing person he was and that he was loved all over the place,” Cooper said.
Don Tupper leaves behind a community that will not forget him.
