The sun was just rising over the quiet community of Pilot Oak when 52-year-old Ronnie Minor of Puryear, Tennessee, mounted his 2002 Harley-Davidson and set out. He loved those rides — the open road, the engine’s growl, the wind on his face. That day, though, would become his last.
At approximately 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, in rural Graves County, Kentucky, tragedy struck at the intersection of Kentucky Route 94 (KY 94) and Kentucky Route 129 when 26-year-old Jose Ruiz of Union City, Tennessee, in a 2017 Toyota Corolla, stopped at a posted stop sign and then attempted a left turn onto KY 94 West — exactly into the path of Ronnie riding southbound on his motorcycle.
The collision was immediate and brutal. Ronnie was thrown from his bike on impact; first responders arrived swiftly. He was transported by Mayfield/Graves County EMS to Murray-Calloway County Hospital, then air-lifted to the high-level care unit at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Ronnie succumbed to his injuries.
Ruiz and his passenger, 23-year-old Diego Olague, also of Union City, emerged from the crash without reported injury. Meanwhile, the investigation is being led by Deputy Zac Smith, with the assistance of Sgt. Ben Doran, the Kentucky State Police, and crews from Mayfield/Graves County EMS and Fire Departments from Sedalia and Cuba.
The Graves County Sheriff’s Office expressed its deepest condolences to the Minor family. It’s a sorrow shared by a small community that knew Ronnie well: a devoted father, a kind-hearted friend, a passionate rider whose generosity and warmth touched many lives. The sheriff’s office noted how sudden and unexpected the loss is, and acknowledged the swift work of first responders.
As the investigation continues, authorities are asking anyone with additional information about the crash to come forward. The community of Puryear and beyond joins in mourning Ronnie’s passing — remembering the open road he loved and the laughter he brought. In a quiet nod: ride on, Ronnie. Your memory lives on in the hearts of those you left behind.
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