Editor’s Note: Last Friday, while having lunch at the Smyrna Event Center, I overheard my friend Tony Campbell and his driver Roland discussing the tragic accident that took the life of Jonathan Hamilton, affectionately known by many as ‘Mohawk.’ The heartbreaking story of Jonathon made me think of his strong work ethic. He would often be seen riding his bicycle to work at Sylvan Park Restaurant. The heartfelt comments on Facebook and the efforts of his friend to create the GoFundMe fundraising account was also very touching.
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Rutherford County,Tenn – A tragic accident early Friday morning on Old Nashville Highway near Creekmont Drive claimed the life of 43-year-old Jonathan ‘Mohawk’ Hamilton, a beloved resident. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), Hamilton was riding his bicycle eastbound when he was struck by a vehicle traveling in the same direction. The impact was fatal, resulting in Hamilton’s death at the scene.
After the initial collision, Hamilton’s bicycle remained on the roadway and was subsequently hit by two additional vehicles. The THP report indicates that no charges have been filed or are pending in connection with this incident.
Hamilton was a familiar face at Sylvan Park Restaurant on NW Broad Street, where he was cherished by both coworkers and patrons. Known for his humility and friendly demeanor, he worked diligently as a dishwasher and cycled to work daily. His untimely passing has sparked an overwhelming wave of grief and heartfelt tributes across local social media platforms.
Many who knew Hamilton took to social media to share fond memories of his kindness and his willingness to connect with others. Tributes highlighted his creativity, especially the unique modifications he made to his bicycle.
In response to his tragic death, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist with funeral services, raising over $5,000 within just 48 hours. Remarkably, these funds were gathered before an obituary was published or any media coverage was released.
The accident occurred at 6:17 a.m. on Friday, reminding the community of the vulnerabilities cyclists face on the road, a point echoed in several social media comments.
Hamilton’s life and his legacy have deeply resonated with many, leading to an outpouring of kind messages online.
Anyone wishing to share a tribute or memory of Jonathan is encouraged to reach out via email @ MikeSparksTn@gmail.com.
Funeral arrangements will be announced as more details become available.
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