The Tampa community is mourning a popular local barber who was killed in a motorcycle crash this weekend.

Tampa police say the crash happened Saturday morning at the intersection of MLK Boulevard and Nebraska Avenue. 

On Sunday, a spokesman for the police department confirmed the motorcyclist killed in the crash was 33-year-old John Lopera.

Lopera, known as Johnny, was a popular barber in Ybor City and owned the Cigar City Barbershop. He recently moved the shop to a new, larger location. 

Storm Team 8 Meteorologist Ian Oliver was one of Lopera’s customers at the barbershop.

Alex Abell, who also met Lopera through the barbershop, tells News Channel 8’s Gabrielle Shirley the two of them quickly became friends. He compared Lopera to a “therapist” because they discussed everything from their favorite types of music to their growing families.

“He was telling me about his experiences as a new dad,” said Abell, “and I talked about my daughter and we really hit it off.”

Lopera and his wife, who is pregnant with their second child, have a 1-year-old daughter.

“He was so loved in the community,” said Abell. 

Lopera and his family were well-known in the Seminole Heights area. When the community was on edge last year during a string of murders, Lopera was often seen out in the neighborhood with his family and his dogs.

News Channel 8’s Peter Bernard spoke to him around Thanksgiving last year about their “pack walks.” At the time, Lopera told us he wasn’t going to let fear stop him from living his life. 

“It’s a scary situation and people are dealing with it how they deal with it. And I chose to live my life,” he said at the time.

Lopera’s loved ones have created a GoFundMe to help support his family. 

“With a heavy heart, we ask for your help in support of his wife, their 1-year-old daughter, and the 2nd child they are expecting,” the account says. “Funeral expenses are only the beginning for Johnny’s family and we hope to help alleviate with the grief of having to worry about funeral expenses.”

The account raised more than $6,000 in six hours. Abell would like to add to donations by organizing a benefit concert. The details are not finalized yet. 

Lopera’s barbershop had a sign posted on the door Sunday that said the shop was closed due to an emergency.

A post to the business Facebook page says the shop will remain closed until further notice.