A man from Michigan who was trying to spread some cheer in a part of Florida that was ravaged by Hurricane Ian was killed in a crash while delivering free bikes to kids for Christmas.
Steven Pringle, 57, was killed in Punta Gorda, Florida, on Nov. 23, according to the Detroit Free Press.
The crash happened at an intersection that was missing a stop sign, which had been blown down by the hurricane. Pringle was driving a pickup truck with a trailer of bikes when he drove through the intersection, the newspaper reported.
Relatives said Pringle's truck hit a pole and rolled over, killing him instantly.
Punta Gorda Police confirmed the crash to The Daily Sun, but declined to provide additional details. City officials said the stop sign has since been replaced at the intersection.
"He had just arrived in Florida to give bikes to hurricane victims when a terrible car accident took his life," his children wrote on a GoFundMe page.
Pringle was an Army veteran, a proud father of six, and a grandfather of five kids.
"He loved life and everything it had to offer. He thrived on helping others which led him to create a business using bikes as therapy, Build a Bicycle Therapy and Rolling Wheels," the fundraising page says.
Through his business, Pringle ran programs for rehabilitated prisoners and people with disabilities, and he donated bicycles to those in need, including children in foster care, victims escaping domestic violence and churches.
"I've got people reaching out to me saying, 'Your father changed my son's life for the better,'" Pringle's son Jason told the Free Press. "One lady said, 'We couldn't afford a bicycle and your father gave my son a bicycle.' I was really blown away at the impact that he had."
The GoFundMe account has so far raised over $5,500.
"We want his name and charity work to live on. We are hoping to continue his charity work for as long as possible and raise funds yearly in his honor," the page says. "All donations will be used for his services and to purchase bikes for those in need."
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