MESA, Arizona (AZAfamily) — The Valley family is mourning the loss of their loved one, Evan Adams, who died while riding his motorcycle on the highway in Mesa.

Driver of a truck pulling a trailer shot and killed Adams while changing lanes last month.

Friends told Arizona Family that Adams knew how dangerous riding a motorcycle could be, so he always took safety precautions seriously. They said he always wore his helmet and other protective equipment no matter what.

His death came as a shock and his loved ones hope it will remind everyone to pay attention when driving and look twice before changing lanes.

“He always knew what to say in every situation,” said Amanda Shardy, one of his close friends. “He was one of those people you could trust with anything. He was always there to help.”

All that was left of his close friend was a handful of photographs.

The crash that killed Adams occurred Oct. 22 on the Loop 202 Red Mountain highway near Center Street.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety said the driver of a truck pulling a trailer with two cars on it experienced some type of brake problem. Their tires blew out and they veered into the HOV lane, hitting Adams, who was returning home from work.

“I feel like he’s in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said.

Troopers said Adams was stuck in the median and died instantly.

“You hope for it, you know, we don’t want him to suffer. We don’t want him to suffer, so hearing that I think made it a little better to see if that was a possibility,” Shardy said.

The 37-year-old Queen Creek man loved his two dogs and being on the open road.

“He died doing what he loved to do,” he said.

Shardy has twin daughters who refer to Adams as their uncle. Her last conversation with “Uncle Evan” was when he invited her to the girls’ upcoming birthday party.

“I know he won’t miss this, and I know he’ll still be there in spirit to watch over us,” he said.

The sudden loss gave Shardy a new perspective on the importance of appreciating every moment spent with loved ones.

“Love more, take photos and don’t take life for granted,” he said.

Adams’ mother shared the following statement about her son:

“He was one of a kind: reaching out to others and wanting the best for them… always advocating for friends and strangers and encouraging them to do their best. He was very good with children and was an uncle to many children who will remember him forever. He was close to his family and helped us all stay in touch. He knew that family was everything and he loved and lived this in his daily life with his biological and chosen families. “He is a great son, friend and ally to everyone he knows.”

DPS says the driver is responsible for the crash and their friend Adams will be buried later this week. Shardy is organizing an event GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses.

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