Motorcycle ride Saturday to help Wyrick, injured in August crash

A motorcycle ride that starts in Oak Ridge on Saturday will help with medical expenses for Brandon Wyrick, a motorcyclist injured in an August collision with an Oak Ridge Electric Department utility truck.

The Ride for Brandon starts at Oak Ridge High School on Saturday and ends at Tennova North in Powell. Registration at ORHS begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, and “kickstands up” is at 1 p.m., said James Brooks, Brandon’s brother.

Wyrick was flown to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville after the August 14 crash at Oak Ridge Turnpike and Illinois Avenue. He was reported to be in critical condition after the crash and has had several surgeries.

Brooks said his brother, who graduated from Oak Ridge High School, is in better condition than he was, “but he’s still got a very long way to go.” Wyrick has since been transferred to Tennova North.

The motorcycle ride on Saturday will help offset the costs of medical treatment. All proceeds will be given to Brandon’s parents at the end of the ride, Brooks said.

“I put this together to try and help out and offset some costs,” he said.

It’s open to anyone interested in joining the ride. Those who aren’t able to ride can also stop by and donate, Brooks said.

A gofundme page has also been set up to help cover Wyrick’s hospital bills and personal bills while he is recovering.

“Brandon has always been there for us, and now we want to be there for him,” his friends said on that fundraising page.

Brooks said people can also donate blood in Brandon Wyrick’s name at any Medic blood donation center to help pay for the blood products that Wyrick has received.

You can call James Brooks for more information at (865) 258-4464. His friend Zach Ewton is helping with the ride, and you can reach Zach at (865) 224-1415.

More information will be added as it becomes available.