Logan A. Kerber — Beloved Rome Resident and Passionate Motorcyclist — Mourned by Community After Life Lost in Devastating Collision with SUV at Black River Boulevard and East Pine Street
ROME, NEW YORK — The City of Rome is in collective mourning following a deeply tragic traffic collision that occurred on the evening of Monday, June 9, 2025, at approximately 6:50 p.m., resulting in the loss of Logan A. Kerber, a dedicated motorcyclist known for his vibrant spirit, kindness, and close ties to the local community. The crash, which involved a motorcycle and a sport utility vehicle (SUV), took place at the intersection of Black River Boulevard and East Pine Street, a location now marked by sorrow and tributes from those whose lives were touched by Kerber.
According to an official statement released by the Rome Police Department, emergency dispatch received multiple calls reporting a serious accident involving a motorcycle and a larger passenger vehicle at the intersection. Responding officers and medical personnel from the Rome Fire Department and AmCare Ambulance arrived on the scene within minutes to find Kerber critically injured and unresponsive near the mangled wreckage of his motorcycle. The severity of the damage to both vehicles was immediately apparent, highlighting the force of the impact.
Logan A. Kerber was promptly transported to Rome Health Hospital under emergency conditions, as responders performed continuous CPR and other lifesaving procedures. Despite the efforts of emergency teams and hospital trauma staff, Kerber was later pronounced deceased after sustained attempts to revive him. His untimely passing has sent shockwaves throughout the Rome community, where he was known not only as a passionate motorcyclist but also as a loyal friend, family member, and a generous neighbor.
As word of the accident spread, expressions of grief began pouring in across social media platforms, where friends, classmates, co-workers, and even strangers who had crossed paths with Kerber during motorcycle charity rides and community events shared their sorrow and fond memories. Photos of Logan smiling at local car and bike shows, riding through the countryside with friends, and volunteering at local fundraisers painted a portrait of a man whose energy and compassion made lasting impressions.
“I still can’t believe it,” said a close friend of Kerber, who asked not to be identified. “He was one of those people who could walk into a room and immediately make everyone feel like they belonged. He had a way with people — and with bikes. There wasn’t a weekend where he wasn’t out riding, not for the thrill of it, but for the freedom. He loved the road.”
Though the police have not officially disclosed Kerber’s age, community members described him as a young man in the prime of his life, with plans and dreams that were tragically interrupted by Monday night’s events. Investigators with the Rome Police Department’s Traffic Reconstruction Unit remain at work to determine the full circumstances that led to the fatal collision.
Early witness reports suggest that Kerber may have been traveling northbound on Black River Boulevard at the time of the crash when the SUV, attempting to make a turn from East Pine Street, entered the intersection. The precise dynamics of the collision are still under scrutiny, with authorities examining surveillance footage from nearby businesses, measuring skid marks and damage patterns, and interviewing witnesses in an effort to reconstruct the timeline of events.
The driver of the SUV — whose identity has not yet been released and is being referred to at this time only as an adult female — remained at the scene and cooperated fully with law enforcement. Authorities have confirmed that she did not sustain serious injuries in the crash and was evaluated at the scene before being released. No charges have been filed at this stage of the investigation, and toxicology tests are being conducted on both parties, as is standard procedure in fatal motor vehicle incidents.
Local officials and safety advocates are using this heartbreaking moment to underscore the need for increased vigilance at intersections known for high traffic volume and visibility challenges. Black River Boulevard, a busy arterial road lined with commercial establishments, has long been cited by residents as an area where motorists and motorcyclists alike must exercise heightened caution.
Rome Mayor Jacqueline M. Izzo issued a public statement on Tuesday morning, offering her condolences to the Kerber family and calling for community unity during a time of loss. “Logan A. Kerber was a valued member of our city, a young man whose enthusiasm and sense of community could be felt wherever he went. We extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones and support the continued efforts of the Rome Police Department to investigate this tragedy thoroughly.”
In the days following the crash, mourners began visiting the scene, leaving behind flowers, candles, motorcycle memorabilia, and handwritten messages of remembrance. A growing memorial now stands at the intersection of Black River Boulevard and East Pine Street — a place of pain that has transformed into a testament to the impact Logan had on those around him.
Kerber’s family, speaking through a statement released via their pastor, expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. “Logan was our heart. He brought light into every room and made it his mission to make others feel seen and heard. We ask for privacy as we begin the process of grieving this enormous loss, and we thank all who have reached out with words of comfort.”
A vigil in honor of Logan A. Kerber is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 13, at 8:00 p.m. in Rome’s Franklyn’s Field Park. Organizers, many of whom rode with Kerber during past events and rallies, plan to host a memorial ride in the coming weeks — a procession of motorcycles that will wind through the city in remembrance of one of their own.
In addition to his love for motorcycling, Kerber was known for his work in local trades and his volunteer involvement with youth mentorship programs and community cleanups. Friends recalled his willingness to lend a hand, often stepping up to help with repairs for neighbors or simply to listen when someone needed to talk.
“Logan had a heart as big as his bike,” one community member shared. “He cared deeply about people — he believed in second chances, in showing up for others. He was the kind of guy who you could call at 2 a.m. and know he’d come through. That’s what makes this so hard.”
As the investigation continues, city officials are encouraging anyone with information about the crash, including dash cam footage or firsthand witness accounts, to contact the Rome Police Department. A dedicated tip line has been established to assist with compiling the most accurate picture possible of the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
Logan A. Kerber leaves behind a grieving family, countless friends, and a legacy of compassion, courage, and community spirit. His absence is already being profoundly felt in Rome and beyond, but his memory will live on in every engine rev at sunset, every charitable ride, and every heart he touched.
Funeral arrangements for Kerber are currently being made and will be shared with the public once finalized. A GoFundMe page has been launched by close family friends to assist with memorial expenses and to support the Kerber family during this incredibly difficult time.
For now, Rome mourns — not just the loss of a young life, but the loss of a brother, a son, a friend, and a beloved soul whose presence cannot be replaced.
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