‘A devoted husband, loving father’: Motorcyclist killed in DUI crash identified by family

OMAHA, Neb. —

The Omaha motorcycle community and a family are mourning after a crash killed a beloved father.

Ryan Hay’s family says he was killed while riding his motorcycle overnight at 144th and Corby streets. Police arrested the other driver, 31-year-old Bailey Burr, for DUI.

Hay was the co-founder of Omaha Bike Week, which runs July 17-25 outside of Oakview Mall. Organizers say the event will go on as planned because they believe that’s what Hay would have wanted.

Hay was a husband and father of three.

“He just had his way of kind of bringing people together,” said Jason Mayer, an organizer of Omaha Bike Week.

Omaha Bike Week started in 2024.

“It was kind of a no-brainer to have (Hay) involved, and a lot of the credit goes to him for growing this event so quickly,” Mayer said.

Now, as organizers like Mayer prepare for the event, they’re working with a missing piece.

“Ryan was somebody who was really big into the community; he was a lover of bikes. He spent most of his whole life loving motorcycles,” Mayer said.

Hay was doing what he loved when Omaha Police say he collided with Burr Thursday at 12:30 a.m. Officers booked Burr into jail on multiple charges, including DUI with a blood alcohol content of at least .15, open container and motor vehicle homicide.

“Don’t drink and drive; that’s the biggest thing, it’s just not worth it,” Mayer said.

Hay’s family sent this statement to KETV:

“Ryan Hay was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, beloved brother, and loyal friend. He lived his life with honor, integrity, and unwavering respect for others. Those values weren’t just things he believed in—they were the foundation of who he was, and they touched every life he encountered.

To strangers, Ryan offered kindness without hesitation. To his friends, he was steadfast, dependable, and fiercely loyal. To his family, he was their protector, their greatest supporter, and the heart of their home. His love was constant, unconditional, and evident in every embrace, every laugh, and every sacrifice he made. The pride he carried for his family shined brightly each day, and they never had to question how deeply they were loved.

In the motorcycle community, Ryan wasn’t simply known—he was respected, admired, and considered family. He built lasting friendships wherever he went and left an impression that will never fade. His strength, generosity, and genuine spirit made him truly one of a kind.

Ryan’s life was a beautiful reflection of what it means to love deeply, live honorably, and give selflessly. Though our hearts ache in his absence, we find comfort in knowing his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the family he treasured, and the love he leaves behind. Ryan was a precious gift from God, and we will carry his memory in our hearts forever.”

“There’s a lot of sadness here. But there’s also a feeling of ‘we want to make this an event, that something he can be proud of,” Mayer said.

He hopes there’s an especially big turnout for this year’s rally.

“We just encourage everybody to keep his spirit alive by coming out to something he loved so much,” Mayer said.

Organizers of Omaha Bike Week say there will be live music, vendors, raffles and so much more. They say all proceeds will go to the family of Hay.

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