Jeannette Kay Young Dies Following Bicycle Collision on Research Parkway in Temple, Texas: Community Mourns Beloved Resident as Police Investigate Circumstances Surrounding Tragic Crash
TEMPLE, TEXAS — What began as a peaceful Sunday ride ended in tragedy for Jeannette Kay Young, a 62-year-old Temple woman known for her deep roots in the community and decades of service as a healthcare professional and volunteer. On Sunday, June 1, 2025, Young was struck by a vehicle while cycling near the intersection of Research Parkway and North Kegley Road. After clinging to life for three days in intensive care, she died on Wednesday, June 4, surrounded by grieving family members.
The crash occurred just after 3 p.m. on a clear afternoon, with witnesses reporting the sound of screeching tires followed by the impact. First responders arrived within minutes, finding Young critically injured. Her bicycle lay mangled in the road, and she had suffered multiple life-threatening injuries, including severe head trauma and internal bleeding. She was immediately transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center under trauma alert status, but her condition never stabilized.
A Beloved Figure Taken Too Soon
Those who knew Jeannette Kay Young describe her as a generous spirit—an unwavering advocate for the vulnerable, a tireless nurse, a mentor, and a loyal friend. She had spent more than 25 years working in the medical field at local hospitals, where she provided compassionate care to patients and mentored a generation of younger nurses. In retirement, she dedicated her time to volunteering with community organizations, including local food pantries, senior outreach programs, and bike safety initiatives.
“She was the type of person who didn’t wait to be asked,” said neighbor and friend Barbara Lewis. “If someone was sick, she was there with soup and a warm blanket. If you were struggling, she was already figuring out how to help.”
Young was also a passionate cyclist. She advocated for sustainable transportation and could often be seen pedaling through Temple’s parks and residential neighborhoods. For her, cycling wasn’t just exercise—it was a form of meditation, connection, and purpose.
The Collision: What We Know
According to a statement from the Temple Police Department, Young was riding northbound on a quiet residential street that intersects with Research Parkway. As she entered the crossing, a vehicle traveling eastbound struck her at the intersection. The vehicle’s driver, a 38-year-old Temple resident, stayed on the scene, cooperated fully with investigators, and called 911 immediately.
Initial findings from traffic investigators suggest that the vehicle was not speeding and that there was no evidence of impaired driving. The intersection in question has stop signs for side-street traffic, but not for vehicles traveling along Research Parkway, which is a major thoroughfare. Investigators believe Young may have entered the intersection without yielding, possibly missing the stop sign or misjudging the vehicle’s approach.
Temple Police Sergeant Carla Mendoza addressed the media on Wednesday afternoon:
“There are no signs of criminal behavior at this time. The driver was within the speed limit and was not under the influence. We are examining whether environmental factors—such as sun glare or sign visibility—may have contributed to Ms. Young’s actions at the intersection.”
As of now, no charges have been filed. The case remains under review by the department’s accident reconstruction team.
A City in Mourning
News of Young’s death has deeply impacted the Temple community, where she was widely admired and loved. Within hours of the announcement, candles, flowers, and handwritten messages appeared at the crash site. A white “ghost bike” memorial—a symbolic tribute often used to honor fallen cyclists—was placed near the intersection by members of the Temple Bicycle Advocacy Coalition.
“Jeannette’s death is a terrible loss, but it also shines a light on how vulnerable cyclists are in this city,” said advocacy leader Maria Castillo. “She believed in a Temple where bikes and cars could coexist safely. Now, we owe it to her to make that vision real.”
A candlelight vigil was held Wednesday evening near the crash site, drawing dozens of residents, cyclists, healthcare workers, and city leaders. Mourners shared stories, shed tears, and pledged to honor her legacy through action.
Remembering Jeannette Kay Young
Born in 1962, Jeannette Kay Young spent most of her life in Temple. She graduated from Temple High School in 1980 and later earned a nursing degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. She dedicated her professional life to healing, having worked in critical care, hospice, and eventually in nursing education.
Her personal life was just as rich. She was an amateur gardener, a lover of poetry, and an active member of her church. She had no children of her own, but was described as a “second mother” by nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
“She raised me,” said Megan Young, a niece. “She showed me what strength and compassion look like, every single day. She gave me everything—and I didn’t even realize how much until now.”
Calls for Change
Young’s death has reignited longstanding conversations about road safety and the city’s lack of adequate bike infrastructure. Research Parkway, though a main road, lacks designated bike lanes in several sections, including the area where the crash occurred. Advocates say clearer signage, improved road markings, and speed reduction measures could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
City Council Member Robert Herrera addressed the issue directly in a public statement:
“This isn’t just about one intersection. This is about how we design and manage our roads to protect every user—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Jeannette’s death must be a turning point.”
A petition is circulating online calling for the immediate addition of protected bike lanes on Research Parkway and a full audit of all bike-accessible routes in Temple. The city has announced plans to hold a public safety forum next week to gather resident input.
The Road Ahead
For now, the crash site remains marked with flowers, candles, and signs that read “Justice for Jeannette” and “Safe Streets Now.” Her friends and family are organizing a celebration of life to be held at Miller Park on Saturday, June 8. The event will include a silent group ride in her memory, open to the public.
In the wake of tragedy, Temple has lost more than a cyclist. It has lost a caregiver, a neighbor, and a force for good. As the investigation continues and safety measures are debated, one thing is clear: Jeannette Kay Young’s life mattered—and her death must not be in vain.
Summary of Events:
- Victim: Jeannette Kay Young, 62, of Temple, TX
- Date of Incident: Sunday, June 1, 2025
- Date of Death: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
- Location: Intersection of Research Parkway and North Kegley Road
- Incident: Bicycle and motor vehicle collision
- Condition: Critically injured; later died in hospital
- Investigation Status: Ongoing; no charges filed as of June 4
- Public Response: Community vigil, policy petitions, memorial bike ride
- Memorial Service: Scheduled for June 8 at Miller Park
