One year later, Gunnison rides in memory Xander Vincent

GUNNISON—One year after 10-year-old Xander Vincent was killed in a bicycle crash at the intersection of Main Street and 100 South, the Gunnison community gathered Wednesday, July 16, to honor his memory with a memorial bicycle ride centered on safety, remembrance and community support.

Held at Gunnison Park, the event began with bicycle safety instruction before participants rode together in Xander’s honor. Organizers invited riders of all ages, including scooter riders, and welcomed mountain bike teams from Gunnison, Manti and Richfield.

The memorial ride was designed to bring the community together in support of Xander’s family while encouraging safe bicycling habits for local youth. Activities included instruction from the Utah Highway Patrol on safely crossing highways, basic bicycle safety inspections and maintenance lessons. Helmets and other bicycle-related prizes were also distributed.

For Xander’s mother, Heather Vincent, the gathering represented more than a day of remembrance. It was also an opportunity to help prevent another family from experiencing the same heartbreak.

Reflecting on the day her son died, Heather said she often wonders whether the outcome might have been different had Xander been wearing a helmet and riding a bicycle with properly functioning brakes.

“I don’t want any other parent to go through what we’ve gone through,” she said. “That’s why education is so important.”

Xander died July 16, 2025, after he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle through an intersection. Authorities said he was riding with his older brother and a friend when the three boys crossed the street. The two older boys crossed first before Xander entered the intersection, where he was struck by the vehicle. Bystanders immediately rendered aid before emergency responders arrived, but Xander later died from his injuries. The driver remained at the scene, and local authorities investigated the crash.

In the months that followed, Gunnison residents surrounded the Vincent family with support. Community members established a memorial near the crash site, organized fundraisers to help with funeral expenses and displayed blue ribbons—Xander’s favorite color—throughout the valley. Vehicles bearing the message “Love Like Xander” became another lasting tribute to the boy whose kindness left a deep impression on those who knew him.

Although the memorial ride emphasized bicycle safety, it also gave Xander’s family an opportunity to reflect on the joyful moments they continue to treasure.

His sister, Paizlei Vincent, remembered one of the last outings they shared together during a family hike.

“Xander and I decided to run ahead of everyone else, and we made it to the top long before the rest of the family,” Paizlei said. “We sat there laughing and joking together the whole time. That’s one of the memories I’ll always hold on to.”

His brother, Cooper Vincent, recalled the many adventures they shared on bicycles, including rides from their home in Centerfield to Gunnison Park.

“We always rode our bikes around town and went on adventures together,” Cooper said.

Another brother, Hunter Vincent, smiled as he remembered a fishing trip the two shared in Idaho.

“One of my favorite memories is when we went fishing in Idaho,” Hunter said. “We went down to the river and caught a bunch of chubs. It was a lot of fun.”

Heather said she hopes the annual memorial ride will continue to celebrate Xander’s life while reminding motorists and bicyclists alike to stay alert, wear proper safety equipment and share the road so that other families may be spared a similar loss.