Elmo Moser, former head chef and owner of The Sovereign restaurant in downtown Gainesville, died Monday night when his motorcycle collided with a motor home, according to the Alachua Police Department. Moser is survived by his wife Lupe, his two daughters (Carmen and Patricia) and two grandchildren.
Elmo, 77, of Alachua, was traveling north on US Hwy 441 when he collided with a motor home that was attempting to merge onto I-75 South.

His seven-year-old granddaughter, Arianna Thornton, was riding on the back of the motorcycle. Thornton received serious injuries and is being treated at an area hospital, according to Det. Patrick Barcia. Riding motorcycles was a hobby for Elmo.

Chef Elmo was best known for his 30 years at the Sovereign in Gainesville for his warmth and personality. Many people who ate there met him, or got to know him over the years. As a chef, Elmo was best known for his sauces and his personal interaction with his customers. As a person, he was known for his hugs.

The driver of the motor home received a traffic citation at the time of the crash for failure to yield.