LENORE, W.Va. — Authorities have identified the rider who died in Wednesday’s motorcycle crash on State Route 65 as 23-year-old Jacob William Ray of Taylorville.
The collision occurred about 2:30 p.m. near Lenore Memorial Gardens at milepost 18.7.
The West Virginia Division of Highways closed both directions for several hours while first responders and investigators worked the scene.
Ray was born June 26, 2002, in South Williamson, Ky. He was the son of John and Crystal Tiller Ray and lived in Delbarton/Taylorville.
He leaves his wife, Faith Ray, and their children. Funeral services will be held Monday, November 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at New Beginning Community Church.
Tributes Pour For the Boxer
Friends, family, and the local boxing community poured out grief online:
“Damn it’s crazy the 3rd friend we’ve lost back to back you was a good man and fsther and so young and you’ll always be in our hearts we pray for your family and friends to know that you’ll never be missed , you’ll always be loved we’ll miss you,” wrote Em Paigee.
Team Tucker Boxing posted a longer tribute:
“The boxing community took a hard hit today with the loss of Jacob Ray. Infamous for his pink shorts and that spicy, electric personality in the ring, Jacob had one of the biggest hearts you could ever come across. … We will never forget watching him deliver a crazy knockout when he fought Brittany Vaughn. Moments like that earned him respect again and again. Rest easy, Jacob. The ring won’t be the same without you.”
Brittani Vaughn, who fought Ray, wrote: “Jacob Ray first time I met you man you knocked me out clean you’ll always be the 135 lb champion of the world. I’ll never forget what good you brought to the world. We’ll all miss you but we’ll see you again.”
Family and close friends posted raw messages. “This doesn’t even seem real, I’m going to miss you until the day I take my last breath.. Jacob Ray you were one of a kind, with the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever met. … I will never understand why it had to be you. R.I.P my ride or die 11-12-25,” wrote cousin Rebecca Ray.
Brigette Duncan: “Jacob Ray Always checked in and made sure we were good. Has seriously been there for us so much. We love you Jake. I’m seriously heartbroken all over again. I’m praying so hard for Faith and the babies … they took care of us so much!”
Faith Ray posted: “As most already knows, I lost the love of my life and best friend today. I can’t breathe. I appreciate all the love I’ve been receiving and apologize for not getting back to anyone. I honestly just don’t know what to say other than pray for me and my kids.”
Elijah Thacker: “I’ll miss you, my friend. … You were a true friend, and a true fighter. There was so much more to you than meets the eye. Rest in peace, brother.”
Billy Mitchem: “I’m at a loss for words honestly. We were ride or die till the end brother. … I promise your memory will live on down here as long as I’m alive.”
A local tribute tied the loss to recent grief in the area: “First Scotty Pinkerton, now Jacob Ray?? Our small home town just can’t escape bad news it seems. Jacob was the first one to msg me over Scotty and offering to pay whatever he could to help with the funeral. … Please pray for my hometown, pray for his wife, kids, and all his friends and family.”
Community comments echoed prayers and support — Larry Hopson called Ray “truly a warrior,” and several residents urged prayers for Rebecca, Faith, and the children.
Ray was known locally for his boxing skills and his passion for motorcycles and adventure. Friends described him as compassionate, hardworking, and always willing to help.
State and local investigators are reviewing the crash. The family has requested privacy while making arrangements and has asked for prayers for Faith and the children.
