David F. Coleman, Jr., 23

Whatever the circumstances surrounding David F. Coleman Jr.'s death on an off-ramp of Rt. 78 in Bedminster on Tuesday morning, the young man appeared to be cherished by his family who saw in him a bright future.

Pages from the 2006 Mirror — the Columbia High School yearbook — show pictures of Coleman as an infant, as a dapper graduate and as a Cougars football player. His parents and an aunt and uncle purchased ads to congratulate him on his high school graduation.

In one full-page testimonial, Coleman's parents wrote, "You've accomplished so much these past years. But this isn't the end — in fact; it's really a whole new beginning.... This is your time to try your wings and fly." They then offered a prayer for him. Below that, his sister Daniece wrote, "You have made me so proud. Keep on making me proud. But most important, make yourself proud."

On page 352, a smaller ad from Coleman's aunt, uncle and cousins states: "We are so proud of your accomplishments and all your endeavors to achieve your goal."

New Jersey State Police Tuesday morning when he was thrown from a motorcycle after hitting a guardrail on the ramp connecting I-78 West with I-287 North after a 20-mile high-speed chase.