'Always positive': Friends remember man killed while riding bike in Murray

MURRAY — Friends and neighbors are remembering a man who was killed while riding his bike Monday morning in Murray.

Brad Collins, 38, was riding to the TRAX station when he was hit by a vehicle on Vine Street at Cottonwood Street.

The street Collins lived on is now lined with ribbons, tied by the youth in his ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Monday night. Bishop Tyler Jessop told KSL-TV that Collins had just been called to serve in the bishopric of his ward.

The young men in the neighborhood all looked up to him. They spent hours and sometimes days together while on campouts and other church activities.

"He was always positive, optimistic," said Eysten Hansen.

Coleman Jessop described what he will miss.

"Whenever he laughed, it was just like, the big laugh that everybody loved."

Aaron Paugh is one of Collins' best friends. The two spent hours together working on projects, hiking and camping. They had been chipping away at a goal to hike every mountain in Utah higher than 11,000 feet. They were still far from reaching that goal, but Paugh said Collins always pushed those around him to be their best and get out of their comfort zone.

"I will miss all of those crazy adventures in the dark and the snow and the rain," Paugh said. "All those times where we were out of our comfort zone and he's pushing us to be better."

Others described Collins as loyal and loving.

"He also made you feel like you were the only one around," Paugh said. "It was so special, and it doesn't matter who you are. Everyone's had that same experience with Brad."

Collins leaves behind a wife and two children, ages 6 and 2.

A GoFundMe* page has been set up to help Collins' family.

As for the investigation, KSL-TV reached out to Murray police who had not updated us by air time. But initial reports indicate the driver who hit and killed Collins is cooperating.

*Disclaimer: KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit or donation you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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