According to the National Safety Council, about 6,000 motorcyclists die in traffic crashes each year. For one local family, that statistic became reality on May 16, when 38-year-old Jon Pallet was killed in a crash in Wilmington, Delaware.
Jon Pallet is still supposed to be here, but May 16 happened, and within minutes, his family says, he was gone forever.
Patty Schumann, Pallet's mother-in-law, said she learned from the medical examiner that "he had died from direct force impact."
Authorities say Pallet was riding his Harley-Davidson along Limestone Road when he was struck by a car. Delaware State Police say the case remains under investigation, but added that Pallet was wearing a helmet and attempted to avoid the crash.
Schumann said the news was difficult to accept.
"I had a very difficult time believing that it even happened," she said. "It's the worst nightmare any family member or mother or father could ever want to experience in their life."
Pallet's family said he prioritized safety while riding, and they are now sharing his story in hopes of preventing similar tragedies.
"You don't want to feel this pain and anguish," Schumann said.
Through their loss, the family plans to advocate for increased motorcycle safety awareness and work with the state on related efforts. Pallet, described as a Marine, husband and Delaware Department of Corrections officer, was honored on the floor of the Delaware State House after his death.
"May God hold Jon close and may his memory forever be a blessing to all who knew and loved him," said State Rep. Jeff Hilovsky during the tribute.
Law enforcement officials say safety messaging is ongoing, not only after fatal incidents. Corporal Raushan Rich of the Delaware State Police said visibility is a key factor in preventing crashes.
"The name of the game is visibility. So wear visible clothing that also provides protection," Rich said.
Data compiled by the 6abc data team shows that seven motorcyclists have been killed in Delaware so far this year. In 2025, the state recorded 17 motorcycle fatalities.
In Pennsylvania, three deaths were reported as of February, following 191 motorcycle-related fatalities in 2025.
New Jersey reports crash data but does not provide fatality totals.
For Schumann and her family, those numbers underscore the urgency of greater awareness.
"I wouldn't want any mother to feel what I feel right now," she said.
With warmer weather bringing more riders to the roads, Delaware State Police are urging motorcyclists to operate defensively, obey speed limits, wear proper Department of Transportation-compliant gear and remain sober.
Pallet's family hopes those messages resonate.
They say taking safety seriously could mean sparing another family from experiencing the same loss.