Motorcyclist killed in Olathe crash remembered as happy and outgoing

Police have identified the man who died Saturday in a crash on Kansas 7 as Daniel Marez II of Olathe.

Marez, 49, was turning onto Harold Street from southbound Kansas 7 when he was struck by a 23-year-old man driving north in a pickup truck, the Olathe Police Department said Monday.

Marez died at the scene. The other driver was not hurt.

Marez was on his way home from a pinball tournament when he was hit, said Erik Anderson of KC Pins. He had been playing in tournaments since November, finishing third in a March competition.

“He’s one of those type of people that was always happy and enthusiastic and would talk to everyone,” Anderson said.

Anderson announced the news to other pinball players in a Facebook post, which was met with messages of sadness and condolence.

“This is unbelievably sad and shocking news and I’m heartbroken to hear it,” wrote one person. “Daniel was the friendliest, most cheerful guy you could ever meet — he always greeted you like he’d known you for years, with a firm handshake and a pat on the back.”

Another pinballer said he worked with Marez and hearing of his death was “heartbreaking for everyone that knew him. He was a wonderful man who always lit up the room and we are going to miss him.”

Anderson said he and others were considering making the next tournament a fundraiser for the Marez family.

This story was originally published July 18, 2016 at 6:29 PM with the headline "Motorcyclist killed in Olathe crash remembered as happy and outgoing."