Joshua Rene, 39, of Lantana, Killed in Motorcycle Crash on South Congress Avenue

A 39-year-old motorcyclist from Lantana, Joshua Rene, died Tuesday evening after a collision with a pickup truck on South Congress Avenue, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) reported.

The crash occurred shortly before 7 p.m. near the 6200 block of South Congress Avenue, close to the entrance of Atlantis Plaza. According to investigators, Clifton Donald Jackson, 50, of Stuart, was driving a 2003 GMC Sierra southbound and attempted a left turn into the plaza from the inside left-turn lane. At the same time, Rene was riding a 2013 Harley-Davidson motorcycle northbound in the outside lane.

The PBSO report indicates that Jackson failed to see the oncoming motorcycle and turned directly into Rene’s path. The GMC struck the Harley-Davidson near the front passenger side, causing Rene to be ejected from his bike. He landed in the northbound lane, suffering fatal injuries. Despite wearing a helmet, Rene was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:57 p.m. His next of kin have been notified.

Jackson, who was wearing a seatbelt, was uninjured. Deputies noted that the T-intersection where the crash occurred lacks traffic control signals. It has not been disclosed whether Jackson will face criminal charges. The investigation is ongoing.

Rene was married to Brianna Rene, with whom he had four children. He served as Executive Pastor at the Journey Church, a non-denominational Christian church in West Palm Beach. The church released a statement saying, “As a church community, we are heartbroken over the loss of our beloved Pastor Josh. Please pray with us for the Rene family and join us on Sunday for an official statement from Pastor Scott.”

On Wednesday evening, the doors of Journey Church in Lake Worth were open as dozens gathered to grieve. Church member Jacob Mullally described Rene as “a light” who always put others before himself. “He had so much gratitude and he always strived to see the better in people,” Mullally said.