NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI — Community Mourns the Heartbreaking Loss of Hunter Sande, 22, in Tragic Motorcycle Accident

The tight-knit community of North Smithfield is reeling from the devastating and untimely loss of Hunter Sande, a vibrant 22-year-old whose life was tragically cut short in a fatal motorcycle accident on the morning of Friday, June 6, 2025. His sudden passing has left an immense void in the lives of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Hunter was more than a beloved son, brother, and friend—he was a spirited individual whose energy and zest for life were infectious. Whether he was behind the wheel of a motorcycle, hiking through the woods, working with his hands, or simply laughing with friends, Hunter lived life with an authenticity and intensity that inspired those around him.

A Passionate Spirit, Gone Too Soon

From a young age, Hunter was captivated by anything with wheels. His love for motorcycles wasn’t just a hobby—it was a passion. Friends recall how his eyes lit up whenever he talked about his bike or planned his next ride. He approached riding not with recklessness, but with deep respect for the machine and the road. To Hunter, it was more than a thrill—it was a form of peace.

Those closest to him describe him as someone who never did anything halfway. Whether he was helping a friend move, showing up for a family event, or staying late to finish a job, Hunter gave 100% of himself to everything he did. His work ethic was only matched by his compassion—he would drop anything to help someone in need.

Remembered for His Heart

What truly set Hunter apart was his heart. He had an innate ability to make people feel seen, heard, and cared for. He was the kind of friend who would call just to check in, or crack a joke to lighten someone’s day. His laughter—loud, real, and often contagious—was a soundtrack to the memories shared by those who loved him.

“He made you feel like you mattered,” said a childhood friend. “Whether you were having the worst day or the best one, Hunter had a way of making you feel like you weren’t alone.”

He carried this warmth into his family life as well. A loving son and devoted brother, Hunter was fiercely loyal and protective. His family meant everything to him, and his absence is a pain that words cannot describe.

An Outpouring of Grief and Love

News of Hunter’s passing has sparked an overwhelming outpouring of grief and support from the North Smithfield community and beyond. Social media has been flooded with photos, tributes, and heartfelt messages celebrating his life and mourning his loss.

A candlelight vigil is being planned at his former high school, and dozens of friends and family members have already gathered to remember him in informal gatherings filled with laughter, tears, and shared stories.

“He was the kind of guy who left a mark on your soul,” one mourner said. “You don’t meet many people like that in life.”

A Community United in Loss

The tragic accident that claimed Hunter’s life is still under investigation, and while the details remain under review, the impact of his loss is undeniable. What remains clear is the deep sorrow shared by a community united not only by grief but by gratitude—grateful for the moments, memories, and love that Hunter brought into the world.

In the coming days, Hunter’s family will release information about memorial services and ways to honor his memory. Already, local organizations are working to establish a scholarship fund in his name, dedicated to supporting young adults pursuing trades or technical careers—fields Hunter deeply believed in.

A Lasting Legacy

Though his time on earth was tragically short, Hunter Sande’s spirit will live on—in the roar of a motorcycle, in the laughter of friends, in acts of kindness done in his name, and in the hearts of everyone he touched.

He leaves behind a reminder that life is precious, that love should be given freely, and that every day is a gift to be lived fully.

Rest easy, Hunter. Ride free. You will never be forgotten.