Witnesses say the driver of a motorcycle was trying to avoid an elderly woman crossing the street when he crashed his bike and died Saturday on DeKalb Avenue between Marcus Garvey Boulevard and Throop Avenue.

Neighbors who saw the accident say Stanley Ridges, 52, was trying to avoid an 87-year-old woman, who was not in a crosswalk, but walking between two parked cars and into the street. The motorcycle swerved, trying to steer clear of the woman, but instead slid across the ground killing the driver, hitting the woman and slamming into parked cars.

Ridges was a deacon at the Christ Fellowship Baptist Church and fellow worshippers say he was incredibly dedicated to service. The grandfather of five was mourned by family, friends and worshippers on Sunday and a memorial was built next to his motorcycle cover.

?He let you feel good, you just felt good talking to him, that was the kind of person he was,? Byron Smith, a friend, says.

The impact of the crash was significant, ripping Ridges? helmet, shoes and cap off. He was rushed to Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center, where he was pronounced dead. The woman was also hospitalized with injuries, but her condition is unknown.

Witnesses say a car hit the motorcyclist after Ridges struck the pedestrian and then drove off.