A driver of a pickup truck in Arizona last week struck and killed a 42-year-old Portland man well known in the city’s music and nonprofit community.
Ian Mouser, the executive director and founder of My Voice Music, was killed while riding his bicycle during a cross-country trip, the organization said in a news release Monday.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the crash happened around 4:20 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 14 on U.S. Highway 70 just outside of Safford, Arizona, which is southeast of Phoenix.
Police said the driver of the pickup stopped to help, but Mouser died at the scene.
In its news release, My Voice Music said Mouser’s goal was to ride his bike 3,000 miles from San Diego to St. Augustine, Florida. It was a personal challenge, and he wanted to make the ride in 12 days. It was also fundraiser for his nonprofit.
The organization said Mouser started the nonprofit in 2008. It helps kids through music and community and teaches them to write, record and perform songs.
The organization said every year its programs reach 1,450 kids and young adults who are living in residential treatment centers, juvenile detention centers, refugee resettlement facilities, in the foster care system, and at its Southeast Portland headquarters.
Mouser leaves behind his wife, Karen, who is the development director at My Voice Music, and his 6-year-old son, Jude.
There will be a bike ride in Mouser’s honor from My Voice Music, located at 3520 S.E. Yamhill to Laurelhurst Park on Saturday, Oct. 23. It will begin at 6 p.m.
At 6:30 p.m. friends and supporters of Mouser’s work will join the community in singing the Beatles’ “Let It Be” during a candlelight vigil.