Motorcyclist Killed In Crash ID'd As Well-Known Bartender In Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA -- The victim in a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred on Ponce de Leon Avenue in Midtown this week has been identified as 31-year-old Patrick Kuhen, a former restaurant manager well-known in Atlanta's food service community. Kuhen served most recently as the head bartender at Bon Ton Boil House in Midtown.

The crash happened about 4 a.m., DeKalb County officials said. (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

The man is custody is the driver of the silver Porsche SUV that hit the motorcyclist, Atlanta police night Cmdr. James D. Patterson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Motorcyclist Killed In Crash On Ponce De Leon In Atlanta

Earlier this week, Bon Ton releases a statement, saying that the eatery was crushed by Kuhen's sudden passing.

“We, here at Bon Ton, are heartbroken at the news of Patrick’s death,” the restaurant said a statement, according to Eater. “He was our head bartender, he was a co-conspirator, a leader, a mentor, a confidant, a counselor, a gentleman, a scholar, most importantly he was a true friend, and one of the most genuinely good people many of us have had the pleasure of knowing. His generosity of spirit, and conscious honesty, obvious passion for life, and open nature inspired all of us. We were so very fortunate to have known him, even for such a short time and had looked forward to witnessing his evolution both professionally in the industry and personally as an amazingly alive human being. His absence is deeply felt and he will be missed and forever remembered.
“We thank you for your patience as we mourn our dear friend. Our heart goes out to his family, and other friends as they deal with this tragic loss.”

Kuhen's former workplace, Manuel's Tavern, also released a statement about their former manager, calling "our go-to employee."

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"A huge hole has been left in our world," the eatery said in a long tribute on Facebook. "Patrick was forever the optimist. He constantly searched for the greater good in every circumstance. He brought a level of joy, comfort and peace where ever he happened to be. He was a rare find among men. He delivered professionalism, true natural ability and a wisdom beyond his years to Manuel's.. He was our go to employee for all things difficult.. His natural calmness to any situation was needed and much appreciated during our renovation."

About 4 a.m. Thursday, Kuhen was stopped at an intersection when a silver Porsche SUV crashed into him at Ponce and Clifton Road, according to Atlanta police.

The driver of the SUV has been identified as Tarus Riggins, 35, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. He is charged with driving under the influence, first-degree homicide by vehicle and following too closely.

A remembrance at Bon Ton will be held Monday beginning at 5 p.m. for Kuhen, the newspaper reports.

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