Valley family mourns motorcyclist killed in Glendale accident

SURPRISE, Arizona – “Proud” is the description that best describes Michael Pabst.

“He was a proud American. He was a proud retired (veteran). He was a proud Packers fan,” said Lani Pabst, Michael Pabst's wife.

The Pabst family remembers their beloved husband, father and grandfather who died in a tragic car accident on Friday.

“He put everyone, not just family, before himself,” said Courtney French, Michael Pabst's daughter. “He would have given the shirt off his back to a stranger. My father is willing to do anything and everything for anyone.”

Besides his family, Michael Pabst loved his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

When the bike and Pabst didn't return home last Friday, his family knew something was wrong.

“He takes the same route every day. He calls my mom and says, 'Hey, I'm on my way home,'” French said.

The no-show and the lack of a call prompted French to check Facebook, where she learned that an accident involving a motorcyclist had occurred nearby.

French's gut feeling led her straight to the crime scene near Luke Air Force Base.

“I thought to myself, 'I think that's my father. I think that's my father. I need to know if that's my father,'” French said.

Their worst fears came true.

Glendale police said Michael Pabst swerved to avoid a collision with another car when he was struck by a school bus.

He died instantly.

“We want to know if he knew we loved him when he left this world. Even if that's the case, he needs to know that when he left,” French said.

The Pabst family now has to rely on strangers in a city their father loved.

Community members organized fundraisers to help the family through this difficult time.

“The amount of support we have received from the community is unbelievable, it is unbelievable,” French said.

The family now stresses the importance of telling people you love them, as you never know when it might be the last time.

“Wear your helmet. Wear your protective gear, even if it doesn't look cool,” said Lani Pabst.

“Drivers need to pay attention to other drivers. Be polite. Keep the necessary distance,” said Mickey Pabst, Michael Pabst's son.

Anyone who would like to donate to the family's GoFundMe page can click here.

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