Motorcyclist killed in crash with turning SUV in Bradenton, FHP says

A motorcyclist was killed in a crash with a turning SUV on a Manatee County roadway on Sunday, Florida Highway Patrol says.

Troopers say the crash happened at 1:20 p.m. at Florida Boulevard and Washington Street, outside of the Trailer Estates mobile home community in Bradenton.

A 33-year-old Palmetto man was traveling westbound on Florida Boulevard on a Kawasaki motorcycle. The bike was traveling at a high rate of speed, crash investigators say. A 71-year-old Michigan woman was driving a Chrysler SUV eastbound on Florida Boulevard.

The SUV driver attempted to make a left turn onto Washington Street and entered the path of the oncoming motorcycle. Troopers say the Palmetto man attempted to avoid hitting the vehicle but was unsuccessful, and the front of the bike hit the right side of the SUV.

The Palmetto man died at the scene from his injuries. Troopers say he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The 71-year-old woman and her passenger, a 70-year-old Michigan man, were uninjured.

There was a complete roadblock at the intersection following the crash. A crash investigation continued late Sunday afternoon. Troopers are advising drivers to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

This story was originally published December 26, 2021 at 3:53 PM.