Fisherman's mother mourns son after fatal crash on Julia Tuttle Causeway

'Think twice before you do it,' victim's mother says about illegal fishing

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. ā€“ Mary Williams was overcome with grief Tuesday morning after losing her son Daryl Williams.

Daryl Williams, 30, was struck and killed by a vehicle while he was fishing on Interstate 195, known as the Julia Tuttle Causeway, that connects Miami to Miami Beach.

"From the time he was born, 3 months old, he was on the Fish Creek, because that's what my family does. We fish," Mary Williams said.

The Florida Highway Patrol said a motorcycle, which was being operated by a 32-year-old man from Miami Beach, rear-ended a scooter that was being driven by Erik Lau, 24, of Hialeah.

According to a traffic report, Lau was ejected from the scooter and the motorcyclist crashed into Daryl Williams. who was fishing off the bridge. The motorcyclist was ejected from the motorcycle after hitting Daryl Williams, authorities said.

The motorcyclist and Lau were pronounced dead at the scene. Daryl Williams, who authorities said was illegally fishing off the bridge, was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center, where he died.

"I never thought about a car or anything hitting my child," Mary Williams said.

She sat next to her sonā€™s widow, Treniece on Wedneaday, who didn't want to speak to Local 10 News.

Mary Williams said that while there are signs warning people that fishing isn't allowed on the bridge, it is a common sight.

"We've been fishing all of our life, and we never give the first thought of the danger," she said. "He didn't give it a second thought when he went out that morning."

Daryl Williams left behind four children, and now his mother is wanting to send this message to everyone who enjoys the sport her son loved.

"I would say, think twice before you do it, especially on a major highway, because it is very dangerous, and it could cost you your life, because it has cost my son his life," she said.Ā