South Florida Pastor Killed in Motorcycle Crash Near Atlantis

The South Florida community is mourning the tragic loss of Pastor Joshua R. Rene, 39, who was killed on November 25th in a devastating motorcycle collision near Atlantis. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Pastor Rene — an executive pastor at Journey Church, which has multiple locations throughout Palm Beach County — died after a pickup truck turned into his path on South Congress Avenue.

Pastor Rene was riding northbound on his Harley Davidson shortly before 7 p.m. when a GMC Sierra traveling southbound attempted a left turn into Atlantis Plaza, crossing directly into the motorcycle’s lane. Investigators say the pickup driver failed to see the motorcycle in time, striking the Harley’s front tire and throwing Pastor Rene from the bike. He died at the scene.

The driver of the pickup, a 50-year-old man from Stuart, was identified in the sheriff’s report, but officials have not indicated whether he will face citations or criminal charges.

Pastor Rene was deeply loved within Journey Church and the wider community. Tributes have poured in online, and Senior Pastor Scott Baugh released a heartfelt Thanksgiving Day message, speaking of Rene not only as a pastor, but as “a friend, as close as a brother to me for 10 years.”

Losing a spiritual leader — especially so suddenly and in such preventable circumstances — leaves an immeasurable void for families, congregations, and communities.

Motorcycle Crashes Often Involve Driver Negligence

Unfortunately, accidents like this are common across Florida. Many motorcycle collisions occur when drivers:

• Fail to yield the right-of-way
• Misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or distance
• Make unsafe left turns
• Are distracted or inattentive

Under Florida law, drivers must exercise reasonable care, especially when turning across another lane of travel. When a driver fails to observe a motorcyclist or makes a dangerous turn, it can create grounds for a wrongful death claim.

Can Pastor Rene’s Family Pursue a Wrongful Death Case?

While the sheriff’s report did not specify potential charges, civil liability is a separate matter. Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, families may seek compensation when a loved one’s death is caused by negligence — even if no citations are issued.

A wrongful death claim can help families recover damages including:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental pain and suffering
• Medical expenses (if any were incurred before passing)

Motorcycle-related wrongful death cases often require expert accident reconstruction, witness interviews, vehicle inspections, and a detailed investigation of the driver’s actions.

Why Independent Investigation Matters

Law enforcement reports are an important starting point, but they do not always capture the full picture. Families often benefit from:

• Accident reconstruction experts
• Analysis of the pickup driver’s visibility, speed, and turning angle
• Review of surveillance footage from nearby businesses
• Inspection of road conditions and lighting

A law firm experienced in motorcycle and wrongful death cases can ensure critical evidence is not lost.

Our Hearts Are With the Rene Family

The loss of Pastor Joshua Rene is heartbreaking for everyone who knew him — family, friends, church members, and the many people whose lives he touched.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones during this painful time.

If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one in a motorcycle accident or any preventable crash, our attorneys are here to help you understand your rights, answer your questions, and guide you through the process with compassion and respect.