There's a cloud hanging over the corner of Ninth Avenue and 15th Street in Ybor City, and it's been there since Saturday, when Johnny Lopera, who owned recently relocated Cigar City Barbershop, was killed in a motorcycle accident that happened at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Nebraska Avenue.
Lopera was killed just blocks away from the shop where his positive attitude changed the lives of pretty much anyone who walked through the doors. Countless others who encountered the jovial new father while he was out in the community are also devastated.
Lopera was just 33 years old, and he is survived by his year-old daughter and wife, who is expecting a second child that will never be able to meet their father. A GoFundMe account has been started to help with funeral costs, and it has just $5,000 to go before reaching its $20,000 goal.
"Funeral arrangements are only the beginning for Johnny’s family and we hope to help alleviate with the grief of having to cover for these expenses.," the page says. "Anyone who knew Johnny can attest to the huge heart he had. Please consider helping his family in their time of need."
On Saturday, November 10, the barbershop's neighbor, Ybor City Tattoo Company, will host a memorial and fundraiser from noon to 10 p.m. Money raised from the event will go to Lopera's family.
This article appears in Nov 1-8, 2018.