LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A family is seeking answers after a 26-year-old U.S. Army veteran was killed in a motorcycle crash in Lake County.
The family of John “Jack” Dyer, Jr., said they are awaiting details from the Florida Highway Patrol regarding the Dec. 17 crash.
Troopers said that for an unknown reason, the driver of the motorcycle lost control along US-27 and Frank Jarrell Road around 6:22 p.m. on Sunday.
John Dyer, Sr. said his son had just turned 26 years old.
“We both sent him birthday presents and text messages and kept waiting for him to call back, and instead, the police showed up at my door and told me that my son died in a motorcycle accident,” Dyer, Sr. said.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Dyer, Sr. said he adopted his son alongside two other siblings from Russia in 2004.
“The orphanage director said every day he waits in the window for you. He knows you are coming,” he said.
Dyer, Sr. raised his family in New York City, where he worked as a firefighter with NYFD and later at a hospital as a reregistered nurse.
The family said that before their adoption in Russia, the children were told Disney World wasn’t a real location, which then sparked John “Jack” Dyers’ interest once he saw it in person.
“They told him in Russia there was no such place, that’s just a made-up thing. When he came and we took him to that, he was enraptured. He was just so excited. He couldn’t hold him, he ran after Mickey Mouse,” Dyer, Sr. said.
John “Jack” Dyer moved to Orlando from New York when he turned 19, where he worked security for Disney World.
Then in 2019, he enrolled in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper.
“Jack said, ‘My grandfather was an immigrant, and I’m an immigrant, and all immigrants should serve their country.’ So he said, ‘I’m going in,’” said Dyer, Sr.
During the pandemic, the family also suffered with the loss of a daughter.
On Long Island, the family said they are trying to piece together the details of the crash.
Investigators said eight vehicles drove through the crash scene, adding that all vehicles stopped at the scene to speak with investigators.
“How and what could have happened? How could eight people run him over separately? It’s horrible,” Dyer, Sr. said.
Dyer, Sr. said his family is leaning into their faith to help them get through this difficult time.
“People tell me he was the most polite, well-mannered young man they’ve ever met, and he was good. He was honest and caring and we are very proud of him,” said Dyer, Sr.
FHP said the crash is still under investigation.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: