Pembroke Pines motorcycle enthusiast killed in crash; loved ones mourn his loss
A beloved Pembroke Pines motorcycle celebrity was killed in a Jan. 4 multi-vehicle crash that caused an hours-long shutdown, according to grieving friends and family members.
Officers responded to the collision between a Honda Civic and Kawasaki motorcycle at NW 146th Avenue and Sheridan Street around noon on Sunday, the Pembroke Pines Police Department confirmed.
When they arrived, officers reported the biker — a 37-year-old Pembroke Pines man — was seriously hurt and whisked him to a hospital, where he died of his injuries.
Days later, loved ones are confirming that William Rodriguez, a motorcycle influencer with a large Instagram following, was driving the bike when it crashed.
“William had a passion for motorcycles and an even greater love for his family,” reads a note posted along with Rodriguez’s GoFundMe fundraiser. “He was the kind of friend you were lucky to have once in a lifetime — always willing to do anything for the people he cared about.”
‘One of the greatest in the race scene’
To his over 20,000 social media followers, Rodriguez often went by “Sertified Ryder” — Sert, for short — the account name for his Instagram page and the call sign he’d go by when motorcycle racing.
He was known to ride a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R sport bike and was considered an “innovator” who “lived for pushing the limits of the sport,” according to That Racing Channel, a motorsports Instagram page and meet organizer.
Bike saavy and “full of knowledge,” according to friend and fellow rider Zach Johnson, Rodriguez custom-made and sold aero discs, decorative hubcaps that can help reduce drag when riding, under the name Sertified Aero.
“We lost one of the greatest in the race scene yesterday. We also lost one of the most selfless, smartest, wildest men I’ve ever got the privilege of meeting,” Johnson said in a Jan. 5 Instagram memorial post.
“This man was full of knowledge and always ready to have a good time. Win or lose a race and he was still having a good time, but you bet the next day he was faster than he was the day before.”
Rodriguez was widely hailed as a mentor figure in the South Florida motorcycle community, known for doling out advice on bike parts and riding tips and tricks as well as being generous with his time.
Another friend and fellow rider, dubbed “wickdpumpkn” on Instagram, described the local celebrity as “humble, selfless, caring, always looking out for others.”
“I’ve had countless DMs these past few days about how much you helped people. ... You were my mentor, someone I looked up to, and someone I considered family,” he wrote about Rodriguez on his account. “Thank you once again, Willy, for all that you have done for me as well as the community. I love you & I’ll never forget you.”
Family, friends and devoted fans have put up a memorial in his honor near the Pembroke Pines Business Center, which sits near the crash site on NW 146th Avenue and Sheridan Street.
Left at the intersection over the past three days are a poster with photos of Rodriguez and written condolences, a drawn picture of the motorcyclist, a hot cup of coffee and the front cowl of a Kawasaki.
“I hope the roads are safer in heaven. I love you so much and miss you so much,” wrote his 18-year-old daughter, Isabella, under the name “Bella Fella, her father’s nickname for her.
Rodriguez is survived by his wife, Emily Blanch-Rodriguez, Isabella and his youngest daughter Ellie, according to the GoFundMe page, which has raised over $13,500 as of Jan. 7.
All proceeds are set to go toward funeral expenses and living costs for the family members he leaves behind.
“His sudden and tragic passing has left his family facing an unimaginable loss, both emotionally and financially, as he was their main provider,” reads the fundraiser’s note. “Every contribution, no matter the size, will help ease their burden and show them they’re not alone.”
Investigation continuess
A full investigation on the Jan. 4 crash is still underway, according to police, who told the Pembroke Pines News that “speed may play a factor” in what caused the collision.
Rodriguez was going above the speed limit and headed westbound on Sheridan Street when he crossed paths with the Honda Civic — making a left onto NW 146th Avenue to head south — and crashed into its rear passenger side, according to PPPD spokesperson Amanda Conwell.
This story was originally published January 7, 2026 at 5:07 PM.
