An early-morning ride on Jacksonville's Northside ended in tragedy Saturday when a motorcyclist slammed into stopped traffic at a red light on U.S. 17 at New Berlin Road, authorities said. Two other people were seriously injured, and all three vehicles came to rest blocking the northbound lanes while crews worked to clear the scene. State troopers are leading the investigation.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 12:30 a.m. when two sedans were stopped at a red light in the northbound lanes of U.S. 17 at New Berlin Road. One sedan rear-ended the vehicle in front, and a motorcycle traveling behind them failed to stop and struck one of the cars.
What investigators say
The Florida Highway Patrol reported that the rider "was traveling at a high rate of speed" before the impact, according to a trooper account. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, while the drivers of the two sedans were taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. Troopers said debris and the disabled vehicles blocked the northbound travel lanes as they processed the crash site.
Who was involved
First Coast News reports the motorcyclist was identified as a 32-year-old man from Jonesboro, Georgia. The drivers of the sedans were listed as a 65-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man from Jacksonville; troopers said they were taken to a local hospital and were being treated for serious injuries. Authorities have not released additional identifying information as the investigation continues.
Traffic and safety notes
U.S. 17 northbound at New Berlin Road was reduced while crews cleared the wreckage and later reopened Saturday morning. Troopers asked anyone with information or dash-cam footage from the area around the time of the crash to contact the Florida Highway Patrol. They say the investigation is ongoing and more details will be released when available.
