Greece woman killed in motorcycle crash remembered for her love of public service

GREECE, N.Y. (WHEC) — News10NBC is learning more about 23-year old Trystan Sylvester.

She was killed Saturday night on West Ridge Road after police say her motorcycle struck an SUV that turned in front of her. A passenger in the SUV also died of his injuries. The driver of the SUV is charged with DWI. So far we talked to one person who knew Sylvester and is still coping with her death.

Sylvester was working towards her dream of becoming a police officer. That dream has now been cut short in an instant.

Besides her motorcycle, Trystan Sylvester was passionate about her dream of one day earning her police badge, and putting on her uniform. Justin Collins runs the Police Exam Career Prep, a program that helps candidates prepare for a career in law enforcement. He describes Sylvester as being incredibly engaging, and a genuine person.

"Got to know her for just a little over two years, extremely passionate. She cares just as much about her own success in getting, and becoming a police officer," said Collins.

While riding her motorcycle on West Ridge Road Saturday night around 7:30 p.m., Greece Police say she struck an SUV that was attempting to get on the I-390 on-ramp. Sylvester was thrown from her bike and died at the scene.

Collins says Sylvester wanted to serve, and be involved in the community. He says it showed when she, and her class did volunteer work.

"Whether it was dealing with folks that were battling homelessness, or kids that were at-risk to being involved in gangs, or violence, victims of violence, folks battling addiction," said Collins. He continued, "Trystan was always in the forefront. She cared so much about Rochester. She cared so deeply about improving relationships between the community, and public safety."

Collins says he believes Sylvester would’ve accomplished her dreams of becoming an officer. Now both he, and her fellow classmates are left with memories.

"She will be remembered always as a person that was a natural leader. A person that truly, truly cared about serving this community, and wanted to be part of this new generation of officers that is a community first," said Collins.

The driver of the SUV has been identified as Renee Alger. Her husband Charles died soon after being taken to the hospital. We’ve reached out to Sylvester’s family, and understandably they were not in the position to talk to us yet.