On Sunday, July 21 a vibrant and cherished soul left our physical world and the loving arms of his parents. A.J. Herrera, a Santa Barbara native, was born to Debbie and Tony Herrera on November 30, 1978. “Mokies”, as his family called him, spent his youth asserting his dominance as a BMX racer at the age of 4 and quickly moved into the world of flat track racing at the age of 5. A.J.’s undeniable talent lead him to numerous victories throughout the U.S., sometimes beating racers twice his age. His determination, hard work, and love of motorcycles was rewarded when A.J. went pro at
the ripe age of 15. Always heralded as The Crown Prince of Herrera Racing, A.J. was respected as a skilled rider, loving man, kind friend, and selfless mentor. #42E had a lead foot and a heart of gold!
A.J.’s spirit lives on in the hearts of his devoted parents Debbie and Tony Herrera, proud grandfather Russ Collins, loving fiance Lily Duong, beloved dogs Pito and Pirelli, enormous extended family, and countless friends.
Viewing Monday, August 5 at Welch-Ryce-Haider Mortuary from 1to 4 p.m. Funeral Services are Tuesday, August 6 at Santa Barbara Cemetery at 1 p.m. A reception will follow at 2 p.m. at The Moose Lodge.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the A.J. Herrera Memorial Fund at Bank of America.
