UPDATE
Friends and church members have identified the motorcyclist killed in Tuesday’s crash as Joshua R. Rene, an Executive Pastor at Journey Church.
Journey Church released a brief statement Wednesday acknowledging his death and asking the community to support the family:
“As a church community, we are heartbroken over the loss of our beloved Pastor Josh. Please pray with us for the Rene family and join us on Sunday for an official statement from Pastor Scott.”
Rene served in a leadership role at the church and had been active in ministry for several years. The church says it plans to address the loss further during Sunday services.
PBSO previously said Rene died at the scene after his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck that turned in front of him on S. Congress Avenue near the entrance to Atlantis Plaza. The investigation remains open.
Originally reported by Boca Post
LANTANA, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2025) — A Tuesday evening crash on South Congress Avenue left a motorcyclist dead after a pickup truck turned in front of him, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. The collision happened around 6:50 p.m. in the 6200 block of S. Congress Avenue, just west of the Atlantis Plaza.
Investigators say Vehicle 1, a 2003 GMC Sierra driven by Clifton Donald Jackson of Stuart, was traveling southbound and moved into the inside left-turn lane to head east into the plaza. At the same time, Vehicle 2 — a 2013 Harley-Davidson motorcycle operated by Joshua R. Rene of Lantana — was heading northbound in the outside lane.
The report says Jackson “failed to identify V2 and made a left turn in front of V1,” placing the motorcycle directly in the truck’s path. The front passenger side of the pickup struck the motorcycle’s fender and hood area. Mr. Rene was thrown from the bike and landed in the outside northbound lane. He suffered fatal injuries at the scene. Next of kin has been notified.
After the impact, the pickup truck came to rest in the plaza entrance. Deputies noted there are no traffic controls at this T-intersection. Jackson was wearing a seatbelt and reported no injuries. Rene was wearing a helmet.
The sheriff’s office says the crash remains under investigation.
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Our hearts are shattered! My deepest condolences and prayers will continue to be lifted up for his family, our church family and our community! Pastor Josh will forever be remembered for the huge impact he made on my life and on all the lives that he has touched in Jesus name! RIH Pastor JOSH🙏💔💜
He is worshipping the Lord with all the Saints and celebrating being home but he will be sorely missed on Earth. May God carry his family as they walk this difficult journey. I know Journey church will also be grieving Pastor Josh. Well done good and faithful servant. You showed us how to honor and cry out to Jesus in the good and hard things alike!!
Prayers for your wife children and family
May you
Rest in Glory
Pastor Josh
So sorry for the family and the church family. I come to Journey when I’m in the area and Pastor Josh was a light in the darkness. I will be praying for you all.
Death penalty for truck driver. Prayers go out for the biker only
What a goofy statement… 🫵🏽🗑️
Pastor Josh blessed so many lives. Our prayers go out to his beautiful wife and 4 incredible children.
Well Done Good and Faithful Servant
Our hearts are so heavy. 💔 Praying for his wife, their kids, and our whole Journey Church family during this heartbreaking time. 💔🙏
Pastor Josh was the kindest soul on earth. He touched every heart he came across with and never failed to make someone smile. He will always be remembered as a wonderful pastor and man.