San Diego Democratic Chair Rebecca Taylor killed in motorcycle accident in Utah

The chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party has been killed in a motorcycle accident in Utah.

Rebecca 'Becca' Taylor fatally injured when she was hit from behind as she was returning home from a trip to the state while riding her Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Her parents, together with many of her six siblings, were by her bedside in the hospital when she died.

Taylor, who was 40 and bisexual, worked as an aviation electrician in the Navy and had volunteered as an advocate for sexual assault victims in the Navy.

The chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party, Rebecca 'Becca' Taylor, 40, has been killed in a motorcycle accident in Utah .

Rebecca 'Becca' Taylor was killed when she was hit from behind as she was returning home from a trip to Utah

Taylor's parents together with most of her siblings were by her bedside in the hospital when she died

She joined the military in the early 2000s spending time in both Afghanistan and Germany serving at a time when the military's policy was Don't Ask, Don't Tell which saw her briefly married to another Navy service member. 

In 2014, she was the first woman to serve as chair on the Veterans Caucus of the California Young Democrats, which she she co-founded.

Taylor then moved to San Diego after leaving the military and graduating from San Diego State University. 

She got involved in local political organizing, rising through the ranks to become the party's top representative and served most recently as acting chair of the SDCDP for the last seven months after being voted into the role last January. 

In her role, she had considerable influence over political contributions and endorsements.

The board chair in party politics sets the agenda in determining who will receive economic and other support from the party and who will appear on influential campaign mailers. 

Taylor was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and would often post photos pf her working on her bike or of her travels to her Instagram.

Her last post on Instagram was from just a week ago, when she was in Springville, Utah on her way out to a riding event with the Temecula-based motorcycle group, Babes Ride Out. 

Several people in the political world in California paid tribute to Taylor on Wednesday who remembered her as a strong, clear and compassionate leader.

In a statement, California Governor Gavin Newsom said he was 'deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Rebecca Taylor.'

'Her dedication to public service and her remarkable impact on the San Diego community will never be forgotten,' he said. 'Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and loved ones during this time.'

Taylor had been on a biking trip to Utah when she was killed in an accident

Taylor is pictured working alongside her fellow Democrats in a photo from 2014

Taylor rose through the ranks of the San Diego County Democratic Party to become the party's top representative and served most recently as acting chair of the SDCDP for the last 7 months 

Taylor posted pictured of her biking trip to her Instagram 

'Becca made an incalculable impact on so many and moved San Diego toward a brighter future,' said Kyle Krahel-Frolander, acting chair of the party. 

'Becca was more than a leader, she was a public servant. She was a Navy veteran, an advocate for victims of sexual assault, a member of the Ocean Beach Town Council, and a volunteer finding resources for asylum seekers,' he said.

'She embodied the best of us. We are all just beginning to process this shocking and devastating loss. Becca's family and extended network of loved ones are in our thoughts as we mourn together.'

The Mayor of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also offered his condolences.

'I am heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of Rebecca Taylor. Becca was a tremendous and fierce leader for our local Democratic Party, but she was so much more than that,' he said. 

'She was a daughter, sister, veteran, friend to many, and a bright light who inspired all of us to live life to the fullest. Her leadership, passion, and dedication to our community has left an indelible mark. Thank you, Becca, for everything. Godspeed.'

Taylor was mourned in tributes from across the political world in California. She is picture here with Vice Presidet Kamala Harris

Taylor was a was a Navy veteran and appeared to embrace the San Diego lifestyle

Taylor appeared passionate about biking and coupled with her knowledge in engineering loved tinkering with her bikes

Fellow San Diego Democrat Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego, who worked with Taylor on the campaign trail appeared devastated in his tribute.

'Team Peters lost one of its brightest alumni stars last night, and we are heartbroken,' a statement from Peters' office said. 

'We met Becca Taylor when she worked as an organizer in our 2014 re-election campaign. It was a tough and tense one, but above the dull roar of a packed campaign office, we could hear Becca's distinct and upbeat voice cheering others on, a one-person pep squad.

'Becca was a Navy veteran, a talented and tireless advocate and organizer for Democratic causes, and a true friend. Her infectious laugh, bright smile and twinkle were ever present. ... Today we are mourning a great one. This is a brutalizing loss for all of us. We will miss you tremendously, sweet Becca. Thank you for everything.'