ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The father of an Alaska woman killed in a murder-for-hire scheme in 2019 died during a weekend memorial motorcycle ride commemorating the fifth anniversary of her death.

Timothy Hoffman, 58, lost control of his motorcycle Sunday in an area west of Wasilla and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital, according to Alaska State Troopers. His wife, Barbara “Jeanie” Hoffman, was riding on the back of the motorcycle and was seriously injured, Tanya Chaison, who is engaged to Timothy Hoffman’s brother, told the Anchorage Daily News.

The Hoffmans’ 19-year-old daughter, Cynthia Hoffman, was killed in a bizarre murder-for-hire plot involving Denali Brehmer, a woman Hoffman considered to be her best friend. Prosecutors alleged Brehmer, then 18, started an online relationship with an Indiana man she believed to be a millionaire from Kansas, Darin Schilmiller. Authorities said Schilmiller promised to pay Brehmer $9 million to kill someone and send him photos and videos of it. Brehmer allegedly recruited four friends to kill Hoffman.

Court documents said the group took Hoffman to Thunderbird Falls, a popular trail area north of Anchorage, and followed a path off-trail to the Eklutna River. Hoffman was bound with duct tape, shot, and thrown into the river. Brehmer then texted Hoffman’s family saying the group had dropped her off at an Anchorage park, officials said.

After Brehmer’s arrest and realizing she had been tricked by Schilmiller, she told authorities she had been solicited by him. She was sentenced this year to 99 years in prison. Schilmiller of New Salisbury, Indiana, also received a 99-year sentence for his role in Hoffman’s death. Schilmiller admitted to federal agents and the Indiana State Police that he chose Hoffman as the victim and told Brehmer to kill her, court documents said. Sentencing for two others connected to the case is set for later this year.

Timothy Hoffman’s children, including Cynthia, experienced developmental disabilities, and he had described steps he took to ensure they were safe, including driving them to and from school and hourly phone calls.

He was a fixture at court hearings in the case, often wearing a black leather motorcycle jacket and carrying his small support dog, Diego. He spoke in recent hearings of the hurt and devastation that Cynthia’s killing had caused his family.

Jeanie Hoffman had started finding closure following her daughter’s death, which was one of the reasons she joined Timothy on a motorcycle Sunday, said his brother, Robert Hoffman. She previously followed the memorial rides from another vehicle, he said.

Patrick McKay, who was a lead prosecutor on some of the criminal cases related to Cynthia Hoffman’s killing, called Timothy Hoffman a “zealous advocate” for his daughter and said his sudden death was “almost too unbelievable to be true.”

“I hope his family and friends take comfort in remembering that Tim died doing something he loved, with people he loved, in memory of someone he loved,” he said.

The murder-for-hire case has been a source of ongoing trauma and heartbreak for the Hoffman family. Cynthia, who was known for her kind heart and trusting nature, was tragically taken advantage of by someone she considered a close friend. The manipulation by Schilmiller, posing as a wealthy benefactor, added a layer of deception and cruelty to the crime.

The community has rallied around the Hoffmans over the years, offering support and condolences as they navigated the legal proceedings and their grief. Memorial rides and other commemorations have been a way for the family and friends to honor Cynthia's memory and cope with their loss.

Timothy Hoffman's dedication to seeking justice for his daughter was evident in his consistent presence at court hearings, where he often expressed the deep emotional impact of the crime. His unexpected death adds another layer of tragedy to an already heartbreaking story, leaving the community to mourn the loss of a man who was a passionate advocate for his daughter's legacy.

The family now faces the difficult task of coping with another profound loss. Jeanie Hoffman's recovery from her injuries will undoubtedly be a challenging journey, both physically and emotionally, as she grapples with the loss of her husband and the memories of their daughter. The community's support will be crucial in helping her and the rest of the Hoffman family through this difficult time.

Timothy Hoffman's unwavering commitment to seeking justice for Cynthia exemplified his deep love and dedication as a father. Throughout the legal proceedings, he maintained a steadfast presence, often addressing the court with heartfelt testimonies about the immense grief and suffering his family endured. His presence was not just a symbol of support for Cynthia, but also a reminder of the persistent fight for justice and truth.

The tragic loss of Timothy Hoffman during a memorial ride intended to honor his daughter is a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of Cynthia’s murder on her family. Despite the horrific circumstances surrounding her death, Timothy sought to keep her memory alive, advocating tirelessly for justice and ensuring that her story was not forgotten.

The Hoffman family’s ordeal highlights the profound and lasting effects of violent crime on victims’ families. As they continue to navigate their grief, the support from the community and loved ones will play a critical role in their healing process. Timothy Hoffman's legacy of love, advocacy, and resilience will undoubtedly be remembered by all who knew him, and his dedication to his daughter's memory will continue to inspire others.