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Memorial for KiShaun Wideman, Motorcyclist Killed on Saturday, Appears at Intersection

By Nathan Ham

A makeshift memorial at the corner of Blowing Rock Road and Faculty Street came alive with flowers, candles and sidewalk inscriptions for Boone resident KiShaun Wideman who was killed in a motorcycle accident on Saturday. 

Wideman, 22, was a graduate of Watauga High School and a former member of the high school wrestling team. He was driving a 2009 Honda CBR 600 motorcycle at approximately 5:20 p.m. Saturday evening when he struck the side of a 2008 Ford truck that was attempting to make a left turn onto Faculty Street. The driver of the truck, 75-year-old Dana Millsaps of Sugar Grove, was checked by medics at the scene. Wideman died at Watauga Medical Center. 

“He was a light wherever he went. He was well-loved and he got it from his mom and his family. Everybody that was his friend was his best friend,” said a family friend who was at the intersection with some other mourners. “For the time being, everyone was so shocked they did not know what to do but come here. This is all they have to hold on to right now. It started with a candle and some flowers and it has grown. The same kids have been coming out here every single day and night.” 

An outpouring of thoughts and memories was found all across social media over the weekend. 

“I’m at a loss for words. We grew up together from causing trouble in our neighborhood and in elementary school up to the moment I left high school. My heart hurts so bad,” said Mason Sheets in a Facebook post. 

“You’ve made an impact on so many peoples’ lives. Fly high,” said Caitlin Ross. 

He is survived by his mother and step-father, Amber Wideman Garth and husband Clifford Garth, his biological father, Anthony Grimes, two brothers, Tatum and Grayson Garth, his maternal grandparents, Steve and Lorraine Wideman, his paternal grandmother, Phyllis Foster and three uncles, Kyle Wideman and wife Taylor Calloway, Ben Wideman and wife Brianna, and Tiawan Grimes.

A service to celebrate the life of KiShaun Steven Neal Wideman will be conducted at a time and place to be announced. Online condolences may be shared with the family of KiShaun at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

The accident is still under investigation. According to authorities, speed may have been a factor in the crash.