A family mourns the loss of Gavin Hopkins at the site of his fatal motorcycle accident on Route 152 in Fallston on March 21.
Hopkins, 20, died after losing control of his motorcycle and colliding with a mailbox and a tree. Maryland State Police reported that the incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. as he rode north at a high rate of speed.
Since the crash, friends and family have left memorial items at the site, which is located on private property. Neighbors have called authorities, claiming mourners were trespassing. In response, Brad Hopkins, the victim’s father, erected a wooden cross at the scene, believing it was on state property.
Authorities instructed him to remove the cross due to ongoing complaints from neighbors. When he failed to comply, state officials took down the memorial. Last month, one family obtained a temporary peace order against Brad Hopkins, alleging harassment and trespassing.
Witnesses reported an increasing tension between mourners and residents. Local police have repeatedly instructed visitors to stay off private property. “It’s uncomfortable,” said Vana Belsan, a friend of Gavin. “I would just like to visit my friend in peace.”
Brad Hopkins described the peace order as “ridiculous” and expressed heartbreak over the removal of the cross, highlighting the ongoing emotional struggle of losing a child.