FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — More than 300 bicyclists and walkers came together in Franklin Sunday to remember a man struck and killed while riding his bike last December.

Matthew Paritz was a beloved local athlete, a husband, a father of two, and a deacon at Olive Branch Church.

“He was just a good friend, he loved everybody, he never met a stranger,” Matthew’s wife, Donya Paritz, told News 2.

The Matthew Paritz Memorial Ride on Sunday, June 30 aimed to raise awareness for cyclist and pedestrian safety throughout the streets of Franklin. Ned Dannenberg, president of Bike Walk Franklin, said organizers saw an outpouring of support from the community, with a turnout more than triple what they initially expected.

“Just an incredible outpouring both from his church, as well as people in Franklin who didn’t necessarily know Matthew, but say, ‘I’m out biking, I’m out walking these streets in the same way, and that could’ve happened to me,’ and I think that’s what’s scary and unsettling,” Dannenberg explained.

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On Dec. 16, 2023, Franklin police responded to a deadly crash involving Matthew and a vehicle on Mack Hatcher Parkway near Liberty Pike. According to authorities, the driver of the vehicle — Denilson Jose Hidalgo-Orozco, 23, of Washington state — was charged with driving under the influence and vehicular homicide following the incident.

Tizgel High trained with Matthew several years ago as the two prepared for a triathlon together.

“Matthew was always a person that was live with the music, really excited to get us going in the morning, but also you could talk to about things that were troubling you or just walking through issues,” High said. “He was always a lending ear and just an encourager.”

High recalled also riding alongside Matthew and his friend, Jason, who she said was also hurt in the crash.

“[They were] always safe on the bike. I was a new person to biking; I would always look to the two of them for protection, support, for making sure we’re following the rules of the road. So, if anything, everyone has to be super wary. Even [for] the safest riders, it can be challenging,” High said.

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Matthew’s two teenage daughters will benefit from the funds raised during the memorial ride. Organizers set out to raise $50,000 in scholarship money for them and exceeded that goal shortly before the ride began.

“I just miss him and he was the best dad I could have asked for,” Matthew’s daughter, Micah, said.

As Donya continues to grieve her husband, she hopes Matthew’s story will remind drivers what’s at stake before getting behind the wheel.

“It is overwhelming, in a good way, for so many people to show up and be here for us today…If they see bicyclists or walkers, to slow down; stay away, at three feet, if possible; and if that would have happened, we would not be here today,” Donya told News 2.

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