Ocean Beach community rallies around man after severe motorcycle collision

A veteran Ocean Beach motorcycle rider, beloved by many community members, was seriously injured in a collision on June 6 and his friends are determined to help him through what will likely be a long road to full recovery.

Ian Hughes was riding southbound on Catalina Boulevard just after 2 p.m. that day when a Mercedes Benz, driving northbound, made a left turn onto Talbot Street directly into his path, the resulting impact completely destroying the front of the vehicle.

Paramedics took Hughes to a local trauma center where he has been undergoing treatments that will involve multiple surgeries and extensive medical care. His diagnosis includes a broken femur, broken pelvis, broken hand and fingers, and road rash on his face. Fortunately, no spinal injuries or spinal damage was done.

Ian Hughes of Ocean Beach was critically injured when a Mercedes Benz made a left turn directly into his path at the corner of Catalina Blvd. and Talbot St. in Point Loma. A GoFundMe has been created to aid with medical expenses and more. SCOTT HOPKINS/THE BEACON

Neighbors at the crash site reported Hughes was thrown a long distance from his motorcycle and was in extreme pain but was conscious and able to give phone numbers of loved ones and ask they be called.

Many area residents were deeply affected by Hughes’ plight and close friends William and Monica Garza DeWitt have begun a fund-raising campaign to assist with Hughes’ medical needs, rehabilitation, and extended time away from work.

“Support Ian’s Road to Recovery” is the title of a GoFundMe account created by the DeWitts. With a current goal of $15,000, over 100 donations have been recorded. The fund can be found at gofundme.com and searching the campaign with this title.

For those who don’t know Hughes, the DeWitts wrote: “Ian is a passionate and vibrant individual who brings joy and positivity to everyone he encounters. He is known for his adventurous spirit and has always been an advocate for safe riding.”

The DeWitts also are asking for people to share Hughes’ plight with others, offer words of encouragement on GoFundMe to lift his spirits, and perhaps volunteer skills or services that could benefit Hughes in his recovery such as meal preparation, dog walking, transportation, or errand-running.

“Every act of kindness, big or small, will make an immense difference in Ian’s life,” the DeWitts concluded. “Let us come together as a compassionate community and show our support for Ian during this difficult period.”