Mother of teen killed in Derby accident speaks publicly about her loss for first time

Melissa Taylor, originally from Bridgeport, told News 12 Connecticut she is at loss for words over the death of her only son Davion "Dav" Bailey, of Oxford.

News 12 Staff

Nov 13, 2022, 6:32 PM

Updated 760 days ago

Share:

The mother of a 16-year-old killed in street bike accident earlier this week in Derby spoke publicly Sunday for the first time.
Melissa Taylor, originally from Bridgeport, told News 12 Connecticut she is at loss for words over the death of her only son Davion "Dav" Bailey, of Oxford.
Taylor described her first born as a funny and loving kid who had the biggest heart.
The accident happened on Wednesday night on Seymour Avenue, near Griffin Hospital.
Police said Bailey was recklessly driving a stolen 2020 GSXR-750 super sport-class street bike and was ejected after losing control, causing a fatal head injury.
He was pronounced dead a short time later.
Taylor said Bailey was the under the impression he had permission from the owner of the bike, who was a friend, to ride it.
“He asked the friend, 'Can I ride the bike?' And he said yes,” she said.
Taylor also said she does not believe the police account of what happened to her son.
"This is a kid who was a professional stunt driver. It wasn't a kid who just lost control over a bike and didn't know what he was doing,” she said. "For that to be the last thing you say about him... I'll never forgive the police for that."
April Barron, Taylor’s best friend, understands what it’s like to lose a child. Her son, Iriquois Alston, was shot to death in a double murder over a decade ago.
"It's an everyday struggle,” she said.
Barron believes there's simply no shrugging off the weight on a mother's shoulders following the loss of a son. That is why she's urging Taylor to pay tribute to Bailey.
"You have every right -- every right! -- to celebrate your son, however you want to,” Barron said to Taylor.
According to Taylor, a viewing for Bailey will take place at Baker Isaac Funeral Home in Bridgeport on Wednesday, Nov. 30, with the funeral being held the following day.
The public is invited to a celebration of life event at 1425 Boston Avenue on Friday.