Police hope witnesses can help in investigation of man’s death

THORNTON, Colo. — Thornton Police need the public’s help to figure out what led to a man’s death earlier this month. Officers responded to an area near East 88th Avenue and Washington Street around 8:15 p.m. on May 4 to reports of a man injured and laying on the road. 

Family members told 9NEWS that’s where they found 22-year-old Rayvon Lewis. He died later that night from his injuries. 

“By losing him I’ve lost a part of myself. So it’s kind of super tough,” Reginal Lewis, Rayvon’s brother told 9NEWS on Monday. “It’s one of those things that you know it’s hard to swallow you know for sure.” 

“I feel like he was everything to me,” Gabrielle Gonzales, Rayvon’s girlfriend added. She and Rayvon have a one-year-old together. “He was super goofy he was always happy he lived in the moment, he always stressed to live in the moment, be thankful for today.” 

In a news release last week, Thornton Police said they initially thought Lewis was hit by a car but later learned he possibly fell from the back of a truck. Neither Gonzales nor Lewis know who Rayvon was with that day. 

Police said they are searching for a motorcyclist they believe is the only witness. That person told others to call 911 but left before first responders arrived.

“I don’t know if it was an accident or some sort of conflict but that’s something that we’re hoping to figure out,” Reginald Lewis said. “Right now not knowing is something I wouldn’t want anybody to go through.”

Rayvon’s loved ones are hoping the motorcyclist or any other possible witnesses come forward. The family has searched for surveillance video in the busy area but have come up short. 

They hope someone sees their plea and shares information with law enforcement that will give them some peace. 

“We just want to know so we can have some closure because with all these cars all day going how couldn’t anyone see something that day?” Gonzales asked. “That day a part of me went missing and it’s like the only thing I need left is that last piece so I can understand what happened to Rayvon just for the sake of our son.”

Rayvon’s family remembered him as a loving man who always made those around him happy. He enjoyed music, drawing and spending time with his son. While what happened that day remains uncertain, the impact Rayvon made on people is clear. 

“He was going to do some special things with his life,” his brother Reginald Lewis added. “It would mean the world for us to figure out what happened to our loved one.” 

“I was very blessed to spend all that time that I could with him,” Gonzales said as she choked back tears. “I’m just thankful for all the memories we have.”

Thornton Police encourages the witness or anyone else who may have any information related to this case to reach out to their tip line at 720-977-5069.