MANATEE COUNTY – A tragic motorcycle crash early Monday morning in Manatee County claimed the life of a teenage passenger and left another teen critically injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred just after 3:20 a.m. at State Road 70 (53rd Avenue East) and Caruso Road in Manatee County, an area that remains heavily traveled even during overnight hours.
Investigators said a Harley-Davidson motorcycle was traveling eastbound on State Road 70 as it approached the intersection, where a red traffic signal was displayed. The motorcycle was operated by a 17-year-old Bradenton resident, with a 16-year-old male passenger, also from Bradenton. Authorities reported that both teens were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
At the same time, a Chevrolet sedan driven by a 52-year-old Bradenton woman was traveling westbound on State Road 70 and turning left onto Caruso Road under a green signal. Troopers indicated that the motorcycle entered the intersection and collided with the front passenger side of the sedan.
Both teens were thrown from the motorcycle during the impact. Emergency responders pronounced the 16-year-old passenger deceased at the scene. The motorcycle operator was transported to Blake Hospital with critical injuries. The driver of the sedan suffered minor injuries and was wearing a seatbelt.
The Florida Highway Patrol’s Traffic Homicide Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not yet released information regarding speed or other contributing factors, and no charges have been announced.
Information in this article is based on a Florida Highway Patrol official press release.
