Memorial Ride Celebrates Beloved Dad of 7 Tragically Lost in Crash

Dozens of local bikers gathered in Fry’s Marketplace parking lot on February 8, 2025, to honor Maricopa Meadows motorcyclist Dustin Michael Tappe, who tragically lost his life in a crash on Riggs Road on December 2.

Tappe, 38, was cherished as a loving husband and father to seven children, including a newborn who was merely a month old at the time of his passing.

Raymond Goldberg, a close friend of Tappe’s, led a heartfelt prayer during the gathering, expressing gratitude for the shared memories. The group of motorcyclists reminisced about their favorite moments with Dustin before revving their engines and setting off north on State Route 347.

From there, they traveled along Interstate 10 en route to the memorial site on Riggs Road, a location that now holds significant meaning for those gathered.

At the memorial, situated less than a mile from SR 347, Tappe’s family and friends awaited their arrival. A white cross marked the site, adorned with his helmet featuring a sticker that read, “Proud Parent of a Scholar,” and surrounded by his jacket, a large photo, a plaque with his name, medals, and a heart-shaped balloon gently swaying in the breeze.

“He would have loved this,” said Melody Rose Tappe, Dustin’s widow, through tears as the motorcyclists started to arrive. They dismounted and gathered close to her, some bringing bouquets to lay at the base of the cross.

Melody held her youngest child, baby Destin, while Goldberg placed a cross-shaped necklace containing Dustin’s ashes around the baby’s neck, symbolizing a deep bond between father and son.

“I had known him for about seven years,” Goldberg reflected. “He was blunt, always honest, yet would do anything for you. He was simply an awesome, stand-up guy.”

After paying their respects, Tappe’s family carefully took his helmet, jacket, and photo from the memorial, joining the procession of revving motorcycles back onto State Route 347 and into Maricopa.

In a poignant farewell, Melody’s last words echoed a sentiment of love and loss: “Let’s bring him home.”