Family & friends gather to dedicate ghost bike

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Friends and family came together Sunday to honor cyclist Javier Garcia and dedicate a ghost bike in his honor.

Garcia, 32, died a month ago while riding his bike home from work one night. Garcia had only rode a few miles before he hit a parked car on a dark street near Morningside and La Hacienda.  Although his parents were not notified for days of his death.

Not wanting to taint the evidence police overlooked a business card and iPhone, so Garcia's identity remained a mystery for three days.

Not a day goes by that Garcia’s parents don’t think about their son and wanted to make sure their son was never forgotten again.

On Sunday Garcia’s family and about 100 friends biked to the crash site and dedicated a ghost bike in his memory.

People brought flowers to the dedication and shared stories of Garcia.

Friends have also organized “ Helmets from Javie ” which collects helmets that will be donated to UNM Children’s Hospital. Organizers say they have collected 60 helmets so far and enough money to buy another 60 to donate.