Crash on US-19 in Palm Harbor Claims the Life of a Motorcyclist Sunday Evening
Troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) continue their investigation into the crash that killed a motorcyclist on US-19 in Palm Harbor.
The crash occurred at approximately 9 p.m. on Sunday, April 8, 2018 on US-19 approaching Alderman Road.
The crash killed 57 year-old Kathleen Ritz of New Port Richey.
According to Troopers, 48 year-old Christine Hughes of Palm Harbor was stopped at a green traffic signal in the northbound inside lane of US-19 approaching Alderman Road. She was driving a 2016 Mercedes E350.
Kathleen Ritz was traveling northbound on a Harley Davidson XL1200T in the inside lane of US-19.
Ritz failed to stop and collided with the rear of the Mercedes. She was ejected from the motorcycle and came to rest in the center lane where she was subsequently struck by 2017 Hyundai Elanta traveling northbound.
Ritz suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene of the crash.
Neither Hughes nor the 49 year-old Tarpon Springs man driving the Elantra were physically injured.
The investigation continues.
Alcohol did not appear to have played a role in the crash according to FHP.