Memorial held for motorcyclist killed in Columbia hit and run

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Family and friends are still grieving the loss of Skylar Maddox. A Columbia motorcycle shop held a celebration of life for the man killed last week in a hit-and-run crash.

Maddox died Nov. 30. Susan Hanel, 72, of Columbia, has been charged with several crimes in the crash, including driving while under the influence of drugs.

Maddox was riding his motorcycle south on Providence Road and Hanel was traveling north when she turned in front of Maddox, according to police. Maddox crashed into Hanel's vehicle and was thrown from his motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Hanel was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated causing the death of another, leaving the scene of an accident and armed criminal action. Police allege Hanel told them she was taking methadone and Valium. Witnesses said Hanel was also driving without headlights, according to a probable cause statement. 

Hanel is set to appear in court Wednesday. She remained in the Boone County Jail on Tuesday without bond. No attorney for Hanel is listed in court records.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Maddox's family.

Gilbane Motorsports owner Matthew Gilbane said Maddox liked doing burnouts on his motorcycle.

The owner and employees at Gilbane MotorSports tell ABC 17 News that Skylar was the life of the party, ambitious, and kept everyone laughing. His best friend Alex Pattillo says losing his friend has been overwhelming but is thankful for the memories.

Maddox worked at Gilbane motorsports and was leaving work when allegedly impaired Hanel took his life. Pattillo says the time he and Maddox got close working at Gilbane.

Pattillo says they liked to play music throughout the shop or roll their pants up to make themselves look funny.

"I've cried a lot in the last week and a half. I don't think I have any tears left but luckily I've been surrounded by his family and his girlfriend and his friends and we've all managed to find a way to laugh and think about all the good and try not to dwell on dwell on um you know the times you know we're not gonna have in the future cause we had some amazing times together," said Pattillo