DPS Urges South Texas Body Shops to Heighten Vigilance Following Fatal Hit-and-Run of Cyclist
Tragic Demise of John C. Caillouette Jr. in New Braunfels Sparks Public Outrage
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – The untimely demise of John Carroll Caillouette Jr. has sent shockwaves through the community of New Braunfels. Less than a year after returning to his hometown to be closer to his family, Caillouette was tragically killed while pursuing his passion. On the fateful evening of Sunday, December 10, he was struck by a car while riding his bike, leaving him fatally wounded. The heart-wrenching incident has not only devastated his loved ones but also prompted an urgent call to action from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Born and raised in New Braunfels, Caillouette’s decision to move back home was motivated by a desire to reconnect with his roots. The 52-year-old free spirit, who had recently relocated from New York, was renowned for his love of adventure and the great outdoors. Having worked at a bike shop in Brooklyn, he had garnered valuable experience in bicycle design and had even traveled to countries like Germany and Japan to learn from renowned designers.
Tragically, Caillouette’s life was cut short on a desolate stretch of Wegner Road near Lost Trail in Comal County. The circumstances surrounding the fatal incident are shrouded in mystery, as the driver responsible for the hit-and-run fled the scene, leaving Caillouette to perish alone. In an effort to bring the perpetrator to justice, the Texas Department of Public Safety has issued a plea to the local community, urging all body shop owners and employees to remain vigilant and report any vehicles with front-end damage, which may serve as crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Speaking on behalf of Caillouette’s grief-stricken family, his niece, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed their profound anguish over the loss. “This was supposed to be our time to reconnect and create lasting memories. This person cruelly robbed us of that opportunity,” she lamented. Describing her uncle’s unwavering spirit, she emphasized his insatiable thirst for exploration and his unwavering dedication to his passion for cycling.
Caillouette’s commitment to making a positive impact on the world was evident in his endeavors beyond cycling. He was particularly drawn to helping children of all abilities and had contributed to the construction of a playground area in Brooklyn. Furthermore, fueled by his creative genius, Caillouette had embarked on renovating a school bus into an RV, symbolizing his irrepressible zest for life.
As a poignant tribute to Caillouette’s memory, a cross now stands at the site of the accident, adorned with a Christmas wreath and an angel. It symbolizes the profound loss experienced by his family and friends, who implore the responsible party to find it in their heart to come forward and provide closure to his grieving grandmother, who should never have to endure the pain of burying her own child.
In light of this devastating tragedy, the Caillouette family has established a GoFundMe page to alleviate the financial burden of funeral expenses. Moreover, they join forces with the Comal County Sheriff’s Office, urging anyone with information about the incident to contact them at (830) 620-3400. The desperate quest for justice and the outpouring of public support serve as a testament to the impact Caillouette had on his community and the profound loss his absence leaves behind.
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