Passenger Injured in Fatal Motorcycle Crash on US-19 at Congress Ave
Posted: November 8, 2015
At approximately 6:13 PM on Saturday, November 7, 2015, reports of a crash involving a motorcycle were received.
Units from Dunedin Fire Rescue along with Sunstar Paramedics, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) responded.
A 2002 Ford F150 was being driven by 70 year-old Walter Hertrich of Palm Harbor, Florida. Hertrich was traveling northbound on US-19 and attempted to make a left turn onto Congress Avenue according to FHP.
56 year-old Lawrence Silva of Dunedin and his passenger, 59 year-old Laurel Silva, were traveling southbound on a 2003 Kawasaki motorcycle on US-19 and struck the side of the F150 during its turn.
Both occupants of the motorcycle were ejected following the impact. Â Lawrence Silva sustained fatal injuries and expired at the scene of the crash. Â Laurel Silva was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in critical condition according to FHP.
FHP reports that neither motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and charges are listed as pending. Alcohol does not appear to have been played a role in the crash.
According to a witness on-scene, the truck had a sign for the company, Dependable Lawn & Shrub Care which was removed soon after the crash.  That company is listed as being owned by Walter Hertrich.
FHP continues their investigation.
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