A 51-year-old motorcyclist from Venice died Sunday afternoon after a multi-vehicle crash near the Sarasota bayfront, according to local police.
The incident happened around 2:30 p.m., near the intersection of Gulfstream Avenue and Bayfront Drive.
According to preliminary reports from the Sarasota Police Traffic Unit, the Venice man was departing the traffic circle on his motorbike, heading southbound on Bayfront Drive. According to investigators, he attempted to pass another vehicle, which he struck before colliding with a utility pole.
The impact caused the motorcycle to slide back into the roadway, leading to a second rider losing control and crashing.
Emergency personnel rushed the 51-year-old man to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where he died of his injuries.
According to police, the driver of the car remained at the site, thoroughly cooperated with officers, and is not facing any charges. The second motorcyclist was not hurt and faces no charges.
Officers closed the area around Gulfstream Avenue and Bayfront Drive for many hours to investigate the incident and clean debris. All lanes have subsequently reopened for regular traffic.
The Sarasota Police Traffic Unit is still investigating the crash. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has additional information should call Traffic Homicide Investigator Officer Jason Frank at 941-263-6870 or via email at [email protected].
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