‘He’s riding with us’: Emergency vehicles honor Austin Gayne with memorial ride
By Elijah Skipper
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HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C (WLOS) — Dozens of emergency vehicles lined Interstate 40 in Haywood County on Sunday as first responders, tow operators, and law enforcement took part in a memorial ride honoring Austin Gayne and raising awareness about “Slow Down, Move Over” laws.
The convoy gathered near Beaverdam Road in Canton, North Carolina, before traveling east toward Asheville and back, with flashing lights visible for miles along the interstate.
Gayne’s mother, Brooke Lawrence, organized the event, saying it’s meant to remind drivers that slowing down and moving over for roadside workers is not optional; it’s the law in all 50 states.
Lawrence said Gayne was operating a heavy wrecker loaded with a dump truck when he was hit on Feb. 1, 2021. He had been on the scene less than five minutes. Gayne spent 26 days in intensive care before dying from his injuries.
Fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, and deputies from the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office joined Sunday’s ride. Similar memorial convoys were also held in Florida, where Gayne was killed.
Lawrence said the annual event is about ensuring every roadside worker makes it home safely.
“Everybody deserves to go home at the end of their shift,” Lawrence said.
Drivers along I-40 slowed as the procession passed, many stopping to watch the display of flashing lights and emergency vehicles. Lawrence said the visibility is intentional, a moving reminder for motorists to stay alert, avoid distractions, and respect roadside scenes.
She also pointed to a billboard along I-40 near mile marker 34.5 honoring her son and reinforcing the safety message.
“We’ll keep spreading the message and keeping his memory alive,” Lawrence said. “I get messages daily from people who see it.”
Sunday’s ride took place amid falling snow, something Lawrence said held special meaning for her family
Organizers say they plan to continue holding the memorial ride every February, encouraging drivers to slow down, move over, and pay attention, so no more families have to experience the same loss.
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