Andrew Ross Morgan
Andrew Ross Morgan
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Age: 25
Location:
Houston St. & Elizabeth St.
New York , NY
United States
Andrew Ross Morgan was killed June 22, 2005 by a truck who cut him off and ran over him on the corner of Elizabeth and Houston streets in Manhattan.
In his obituary, his family wrote:
...Some people wear their spirit on the outside. When you meet them your own light shines brighter. When they're gone, you still have the treasures they gave away every day. Andy gave us the extra light we need to face his sudden passing.
Andy was an accomplished photographer, cook, athlete, artist and lover of literature. He graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a degree in business administration and a minor in jazz studies. He was the manager at Blue Ribbon Bakery in New York at the time of his death, meeting with an accident as he cycled to work.
He had traveled to most of the continental U.S., Europe, central Asia, Mexico and South America. Andy taught us all how important every day is. He recently wrote in a letter to his family, ''Remember, now is as good a time as ever because we are here on earth together. I know I'll look back on these days with weak legs and a bitter sweet gravity pulling towards my heart because this is all we have, and I have so much love for you. In addition to his immediate family, Andy is survived by many other relatives in Texas...
Andrew's mother, Cynthia wrote in a comment to a 2008 New York Magazine Article about NYC ghost bikes:
My son, Andrew Ross Morgan, was an experienced cyclist, having ridden his bike from Washington State, where he was attending Pacific Luthern University, home to Austin, his first semester, had recently moved to New York.
He did not normally ride in Manhattan. Andy had just started riding to work, and was putting in twelve hour days to open the Market for Blue Ribbon. Accumulating over six hundred dollars in parking tickets; he constantly struggled with moving his car. The city offers many challanges as does life. His family is inspired everyday by the gift of his life, the magnitude of his efforts and his achievements both internally and externally.
The bike on the corner of Houston and Elizabeth Streets is a tribute to what we have had, not lost. These bikes mark a grave issue but, also a unique opportunity. I hope Joshua David Stern and Christopher Griffith have moved citizens, no matter their stance on the issue, to address the reality constructively. I feel Andy's sense of pride everyday regarding the opportunities New York, The Blue Ribbon and his community offered him and the way with which he embraced them.
He is not a victim of circumstance but a symbol of happenstance. Ghost bikes and their imagined riders appear as a haunting refrain, playing to our hearts and consciousness to be mindful in seeking a positive solution for multi-transportation options for inhabitants of congested cities. If you can make it happen there, it can happen anywhere. This issue comes to light in the pages of your magazine on the third anniversary of my son's death. It brings a special significance for his loved ones honoring his spirit and brings reflection to the cause. I am grateful to you for this epitaph for all The Ghost Riders.
Most Sincerely,
Cindy Morgan
Andy’s friend wrote:
The world lost a beautiful soul in Andy. His laughter, kindness and easy going nature gave many a person a reason to smile. As word of his departure spreads, more and more people grow numb. Goodbye, MoMan, we already miss you.
Another friend wrote:
Andy was a close friend of mine. He and I went to school together at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. We lived together for about a year and played lots and lots of music together. He was an outstanding cook, took beautiful photographs, loved to travel. He had an unparalleled passion for life. I have countless memories of the times I spend with Andy. I’m still learning how to deal with his death. It has been very difficult for me.
I have recently started riding my bike around Seattle to get to and from work. I have become more and more aware of the dangers that one assumes when you take your bike on the road. Since Andy’s death, though, I find myself outraged by the obliviousness of the average driver on those busy streets. I know Andy was a cautious and defensive rider. I didn’t even need to question whether or not he was wearing a helmet.
My prayers are with those of you who are trying to increase awareness in the City. And my heart goes out to Andy’s family. There are a lot of us out here in Washington who are in mourning.
Andy, you were an amazing friend. I’m definitely going to miss you, buddy.
Andy’s ghost bike was knocked down a few weeks later by a cab driver who jumped the curb. It was taken in by the bartender at a local bar, and re-installed nearby.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Age: 25
Location:
Houston St. & Elizabeth St.
New York , NY
United States
Andrew Ross Morgan was killed June 22, 2005 by a truck who cut him off and ran over him on the corner of Elizabeth and Houston streets in Manhattan.
In his obituary, his family wrote:
...Some people wear their spirit on the outside. When you meet them your own light shines brighter. When they're gone, you still have the treasures they gave away every day. Andy gave us the extra light we need to face his sudden passing.
Andy was an accomplished photographer, cook, athlete, artist and lover of literature. He graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a degree in business administration and a minor in jazz studies. He was the manager at Blue Ribbon Bakery in New York at the time of his death, meeting with an accident as he cycled to work.
He had traveled to most of the continental U.S., Europe, central Asia, Mexico and South America. Andy taught us all how important every day is. He recently wrote in a letter to his family, ''Remember, now is as good a time as ever because we are here on earth together. I know I'll look back on these days with weak legs and a bitter sweet gravity pulling towards my heart because this is all we have, and I have so much love for you. In addition to his immediate family, Andy is survived by many other relatives in Texas...
Andrew's mother, Cynthia wrote in a comment to a 2008 New York Magazine Article about NYC ghost bikes:
My son, Andrew Ross Morgan, was an experienced cyclist, having ridden his bike from Washington State, where he was attending Pacific Luthern University, home to Austin, his first semester, had recently moved to New York.
He did not normally ride in Manhattan. Andy had just started riding to work, and was putting in twelve hour days to open the Market for Blue Ribbon. Accumulating over six hundred dollars in parking tickets; he constantly struggled with moving his car. The city offers many challanges as does life. His family is inspired everyday by the gift of his life, the magnitude of his efforts and his achievements both internally and externally.
The bike on the corner of Houston and Elizabeth Streets is a tribute to what we have had, not lost. These bikes mark a grave issue but, also a unique opportunity. I hope Joshua David Stern and Christopher Griffith have moved citizens, no matter their stance on the issue, to address the reality constructively. I feel Andy's sense of pride everyday regarding the opportunities New York, The Blue Ribbon and his community offered him and the way with which he embraced them.
He is not a victim of circumstance but a symbol of happenstance. Ghost bikes and their imagined riders appear as a haunting refrain, playing to our hearts and consciousness to be mindful in seeking a positive solution for multi-transportation options for inhabitants of congested cities. If you can make it happen there, it can happen anywhere. This issue comes to light in the pages of your magazine on the third anniversary of my son's death. It brings a special significance for his loved ones honoring his spirit and brings reflection to the cause. I am grateful to you for this epitaph for all The Ghost Riders.
Most Sincerely,
Cindy Morgan
Andy’s friend wrote:
The world lost a beautiful soul in Andy. His laughter, kindness and easy going nature gave many a person a reason to smile. As word of his departure spreads, more and more people grow numb. Goodbye, MoMan, we already miss you.
Another friend wrote:
Andy was a close friend of mine. He and I went to school together at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. We lived together for about a year and played lots and lots of music together. He was an outstanding cook, took beautiful photographs, loved to travel. He had an unparalleled passion for life. I have countless memories of the times I spend with Andy. I’m still learning how to deal with his death. It has been very difficult for me.
I have recently started riding my bike around Seattle to get to and from work. I have become more and more aware of the dangers that one assumes when you take your bike on the road. Since Andy’s death, though, I find myself outraged by the obliviousness of the average driver on those busy streets. I know Andy was a cautious and defensive rider. I didn’t even need to question whether or not he was wearing a helmet.My prayers are with those of you who are trying to increase awareness in the City. And my heart goes out to Andy’s family. There are a lot of us out here in Washington who are in mourning.
Andy, you were an amazing friend. I’m definitely going to miss you, buddy.
Andy’s ghost bike was knocked down a few weeks later by a cab driver who jumped the curb. It was taken in by the bartender at a local bar, and re-installed nearby.