LAS VEGAS – A tragic accident claimed the life of 44-year-old Filipino American Michael Navarette Guardian in the southwest Las Vegas Valley on Thursday, June 20.
According to the police report, Guardian was riding a Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycle south on Durango Drive at high speed. As he approached the intersection with Arby Avenue, a Chevrolet Colorado truck traveling north on Durango entered the left turn lane just south of Arby Avenue. The truck stopped before making a westbound turn onto Arby Avenue, crossing into the motorcycle’s path. The front of the Suzuki collided with the right rear of the Chevrolet, ejecting Guardian onto the roadway.
Emergency medical personnel arrived promptly and transported Guardian to UMC Trauma Center with life-threatening injuries. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at University Medical Center.
Police reports indicate that the driver of the Chevrolet remained at the scene, showed no signs of impairment, and cooperated fully with the investigation.
Guardian’s death marks the 77th traffic-related fatality in the Las Vegas metropolitan jurisdiction for 2024.
Family and friends remember Michael Navarette Guardian as a kind, generous, and loving family man. He is survived by his four children, ages 13, 12, 9, and 5. His sudden death has left his brothers, mother, and many friends in the Philippines and Las Vegas in shock.
Joel Malate, a close friend of Guardian, expressed his disbelief, recalling Guardian’s love for family outings and his careful driving habits.
“I was really shocked. It was unbelievable because during the memorial, he was here at my house,” Malate said. “He loved going out with the family.”
Guardian worked as a truck driver for Goodwill and was known for his strict adherence to speed limits and impeccable road manners. Malate emphasized Guardian’s cautious nature, especially when riding motorcycles.
“It’s unbelievable, first of all, he was a careful driver. When we used to ride motorcycles together, he was a skilled rider, even better than me,” Malate added.
Malate shared that Guardian was thrilled about his children’s upcoming arrival in the U.S., making the tragedy even more heart-wrenching. Guardian’s defining traits as a good father and a loyal friend remain unforgettable.
The Guardian family has retained the services of the Richard Harris Law Firm to handle the legal matters arising from the accident.
A GoFundMe page has been established to help with Michael’s funeral arrangements. Contributions can be made at GoFundMe. (Bev Llorente, ABS-CBN News Las Vegas)
