As part of an Oct. 1 news release regarding a fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred Sept. 30 in Allen Township, in which a 20-year-old Whitehall man died, Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio included a statement for the public.

“In my role as coroner, I have seen an increase in motorcycle-related fatalities, and each of these deaths is a sobering reminder of the devastating impact a fatal crash has on families, friends, first responders and the community as a whole.

“Behind every statistic is a person whose loss is deeply felt by those who knew and loved them.

“As a community, we must continue to approach these tragedies with compassion, respect and understanding, while also remaining mindful of the importance of roadway safety for motorcyclists and all motorists who share our roads,” Buglio said.