On Friday, as I was heading back to work from an appointment at home, I saw an accident at I40 and Georgia at the traffic light. I couldn't go straight to enter I40 as I always do.

I couldn't turn left to fill up my gas tank at Market Street. The only option was to turn right and turn around to make my way onto the I40 ramp. The accident had basically just happened and emergency crews were on the scene. Everyone was just trying to figure out how to get where they were going.

I thought it was weird that I didn't see any vehicles that were in the accident. So I couldn't really figure out what was going on.

It wasn't until the news hit on social media that I started piecing it all together. I have lived in the Wolflin and Bivins area for over fifteen years. There are just some things that become part of your everyday life.

One of those was Lloyd. Most of us didn't know his name until Friday. The accident that I drove up on took Lloyd's life that day. He was on the median like he was several times before. This day was different because this was when a vehicle struck and killed him. The driver took off. This is why I didn't see a vehicle at the scene of the accident.

credit: Melissa Bartlett, TSM
credit: Melissa Bartlett, TSM
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They eventually tracked the driver down at the McDonalds on I40 and Western. So he didn't make it far. The outpouring of love and support for Lloyd took over Facebook on Friday and over the weekend. There was a memorial placed at the scene of the accident.

We know our angel, Lloyd couldn't know the impact his death would leave.

credit: Melissa Bartlett, TSM
credit: Melissa Bartlett, TSM
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We know his name now, Lloyd McMaster. That homeless man that was always there will not be there anymore. He will not be there with his newspaper or scratch-off lottery tickets.

Reading over the comments left about Lloyd has been very uplifting. He may have been homeless. We may not have known his name before this. A lot of us had great things to say about Lloyd.

I love the impression he left on people that there are so many nice things to say about him in his memory. A true testament of who he was. Heartbreaking that he was taken this way. I hope he is looking down and seeing the kind words that so many have to say about him. - Abby

There has been so much outpouring of kindness that there are even talks of having a public memorial for him. They are trying to locate Lloyd's family too. I hate that it took something tragic like this to remind us to be kind.

I am so sad to hear about this. He has been me and moms friend for years. We moved to Washington and I40 area (here in Amarillo) about ten years ago and he has been a constant face since then. I befriended him, bc God told me to. He was quiet. Hard of hearing. And stayed in his lane. My dogs liked him when he approached the truck. That told me a lot as well. Bc dogs tell the truth. He never lied about needing money or how much money he had. He would always pull it out to show me when I asked him if he was "ok". He never played up his part for pity. Not once. He got to where he shared his excitement with us. For example, when he got to shower somewhere or when he won on the scratch offs. I couldn't help but "feel" something when I really looked into his blue eyes. I always saw the poor child inside of him that was broken. That never healed. That led him to where he was. Mannn... This world.
Rest in eternal peace Lloyd~~~ we are gonna miss seeing your face.I pray the Lord have mercy and grace for his soul...he tried to stay afloat as hard as his mind allowed it -Melinda

Someone with Love in Action reached out to me yesterday to let me know about Lloyd's memorial. It is going to be held this evening (Tuesday, August 30th) 5 pm at St. Andrews Church parking lot. That is right across from where Lloyd was killed.

Just a reminder to please continue to be kind, Amarillo. Lloyd we will miss seeing you in our neighborhood.

These Might Be the Most Dangerous Intersections in Amarillo

Traffic stinks.

These intersections stink harder.

Don't hesitate to sound off if we missed any. We're happy to add more Amarillo collision hotspots to this list of shame.

 

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