published: Friday, September 28, 2012

Motorcyclist killed in late-night crash

MILLARD K. IVES | Staff Writer

millardives@dailycommercial.com

A Clermont motorcyclist was killed early Thursday morning after striking a median and getting thrown off the bike, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers had not released the name of the 52-year-old victim from the crash, which occurred in Orange County.

The accident happened about 12:30 a.m. on Turkey Lake Road.

According to an FHP report, the man was riding south in the left lane, approaching Sand Lake Road, when for unknown reasons his bike drifted and the front wheel struck the raised concrete median.

The motorcycle flipped and the driver was thrown off his bike. He was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Troopers said the man was not wearing a helmet.

This is the third motorcycle fatality involving an area resident in as many months and authorities are still seeking information about the other two.

Richard Davidson, 71, of Sumterville, died Aug. 25 when his bike collided with a car in Lake County at the intersection of U.S. Highway 441 and County Road 449. Police are asking witnesses to call 787-2121.

John Williams Rodgers, 54, of Orlando, died July 21 when his bike was bumped by another motorcyclist and he struck a guardrail along County Road 48 near Leesburg. The other motorcyclist fled the scene and the FHP is seeking information at 407-737-2300.