Omar Dyer, like many teenage boys, liked guitars and girls. His great dream was to be a rock star. He learned to play the guitar at age 13, and at age 15 he helped organize a band. The greatest thrill of his last summer was playing a gig for money, even though it was only for a few dollars.

Omar had long hair down to his waist just like some of his favorite musicians. But he didn't have a "rock and roll" lifestyle. He was an easygoing boy who went to church regularly and had many friends. On the day before he died, he bought a more conservative shirt that he planned to wear on his first day of school. "I don't want people to think I'm some kind of tough guy," he told his father, showing it proudly. Omar was a new driver and he usually was cautious. He wore his seat belt most of the time and deliberately avoided the expressway. He didn't think he had enough experience for freeway speeds. But on a hot day in August he went on an errand to help two young women. They had left their car after having a flat tire along the freeway. Maybe he wanted to impress the girls, or just help them out, but he decided to take them back to the scene and replace the tire.

He lost control on a ramp as he was trying to merge onto 1-85. The girls were not hurt in the accident. Omar was not wearing his seat belt, was partially ejected and was killed. He had severe head injuries. Many friends came to his funeral. There were also young people who didn't know him but had heard him play his guitar. He was buried in his new shirt. Omar is still remembered and deeply missed by his mother, father, sister and his many friends and relatives.