FHP Investigating Crash Killing a Motorcyclist in Port Richey
Troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) are investigating a fatality crash in Pasco County.
The crash occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 4, 2018. in the southbound lanes of US-19 near San Marco Drive.
According to investigators, 83 year-old James Douglas Pulver of Port Richey was traveling northbound on US-19 in the left turn lane just south of San Marco Drive. Pulver attempted to make a U-turn in his 2017 Hyundai Elantra and entered the path of 23 year-old Jacob Tylor Gianatasio of Wesley Chapel. Gianatasio was traveling southbound on a 2016 Yamaha FZ-07 motorcycle in the inside lane approaching San Marco Drive. Troopers say the right front of the Elantra struck the front of the Yamaha.
Arriving crews from Pasco County Fire Rescue worked to extinguish the burning motorcycle as paramedics evaluated the helmeted Gianatasio who was ejected quite some distance from the collision. Gianatasio died at the scene.
Pulver was transported to Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point with minor injuries according to troopers.
FHP closed the southbound lanes of US-19 for many hours during the investigation.
Charges are listed as pending according to FHP.
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Illegal U turn never seen a u turn on 19. If so he can get vehicular homicide
Many witnesses saw that the motorcyclist was traveling at almost twice the posted speed limit, and weaving in out of traffic. IOTW reckless driving.
The news said the driver of the car ran into the bike. Witnesses say otherwise.
Even if the driver of the car did indeed pull out, it is highly unlikely that even someone half his age would have seen a bike traveling so fast and been able to avoid it.
Sadly the young man was killed because of his own foolishness.
I feel sad for his family and also for the driver of the car.