Emigrating from Russia, Olga Liberof defied language and cultural barriers to provide the American dream for her son. She developed a successful real estate career and watched as her son graduated from Fort Lee High School in 2007.

But on April 25, that dream turned to tragedy when Anastos, learning to ride his 2002 black and yellow motorcycle, died when he crashed into a utility pole on Cumbermeade Road in Fort Lee, just one block from his home.

Neighbor and Fort Lee High School junior, George Khorozian explained that minutes before the accident, he witnessed Akopyan hanging out with his friends.

"He was a new driver. His friend was on another bike behind him," Khorozian said. "They were just going around the block."

But Akopyan never made it back. The skid marks along Cumbermeade Road were like a timeline of Akopyan’s final seconds. The utility pole where the motorcycle hit is now a makeshift memorial is his honor. Flowers and pieces of motorcycle adorn the area. A note attached to a bouquet of white roses read, "We will never forget you Stan," with a heart drawn underneath.

"I was so happy to have him," said Olga Liberof, Akopyan’s mother. "I told him, ‘Be careful, you’re my only son.’"

Akpyan’s grandparents, Valentina and Vasily Zhbotin helped his mother raise him in Russia until Akopyan was 7 and came to the United States. Except for financial support from her ex-husband, Vachagan Akopyan, Liberof had no one to help. But Akopyan adapted quickly.

"Stanley made friends fast and was always ready to help anyone," Liberof said.

Akopyan was no stranger to testing human boundaries when he got older. He traveled to Europe often to ski and test drove Formula One racecars with his father. He was a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, won awards in Karate and was member of the Jewish Community Center’s swim team.

As an economics student at William Paterson University, Akopyan’s passion was international business and cars. And before he was 18 years old, he brokered a deal that involved the purchasing of a car in Chicago and shipped it to Russia as a gift to his father. He also purchased a Chrysler Crossfire car for himself that he had custom made in Germany and shipped to the United States.

"He did everything," said Liberof. "He was already a good businessman."

He also helped his father in Russia attain a visa to travel to the United States. They dreamed of setting up a business together.

"He wanted good communications between the United States and Russia. It was important because he loved both countries so much," Liberof said.

Although Akopyan had a passion for racecars like Lamborghinis, Ferrrais and Maseratis, Akopyan knew the Mercedes Benz best.

"People were surprised how much he knew about Mercedes. He wanted to work for them as a seller," said Liberof.

But Akopyan’s passion for cars was far exceeded by his love for family and friends. He loved visiting his father and his grandparents in Russia. And in Fort Lee, Akopyan was known as being very affectionate and trustworthy.

"That’s why his friends loved him. He would help without expecting anything in return," said Liberof.

His mother showed pictures of Akopyan with friends at the high school senior prom in 2007.

She also described her son as very protective and fearless.

Akopyan took a basic motorcycle course at Fairleigh Dickinson University and got his license and insurance for the motorcycle. And although he was planning on taking a more advanced course, Akopyan promised his mother he wouldn’t ride on highways. But she was unaware he was also learning motorcycle tricks from the Internet.

"When he was extreme skiing, I was scared. But when he got the motorcycle, I never knew he did tricks," said Liberof. "My son would say, ‘You need to face your problems, not hide.’ He spoke openly he had no fear. Maybe that’s why the accident happened."

At the funeral, family and friends came to pay their respects.

"Olga was extremely upset at the funeral, but she found the strength to tell everyone, ‘When I came to this country. I had nothing, just my child.’" Lena Khorozian, Akopyan’s neighbor said. "‘As an immigrant, I was so happy supporting him. Thank God he opened doors for me.’"

The burial and dinner were also heavily attended by former classmates who had grown to love Akopyan in the four years he attended the high school.

"On Monday, I announced what had happened and asked for a moment of silence," Jay Berman, principal of Fort Lee High School said. "I also announced that grief counseling was available."

The high school will be establishing a memorial scholarship in Akopyan’s honor. It will be donated to a student at the annual Academic Awards dinner in May. The recipient will be a senior that exemplified service to the school community and scholarship.

"I would always tell my son, ‘I’m very proud of you,’" said Liberof. "He sensed when I was sad or hungry when no one else could see it. But Stan would feel it. He would say, ‘Mom, whatever happens, I’m always ready to help, just tell me what to do.’"