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The Florida Highway Patrol reported that a man was killed near his home after a 14-year-old on an ATV driving the wrong way hit him.
HILLIARD, Fla. — A Hilliard motorcyclist was killed just feet away from his home.
Florida Highway Patrol reports the man was hit by a 14-year-old wrong-way driver on an ATV riding along a dirt road.
“I see him ride that motorcycle almost every day, just about,” said Damian Owens, who witnessed the crash. “He’s always playing his music, has a big American flag on it.”
A smile came to Owens’ face as he talked about watching his neighbor come in and out of the Mulberry Landing neighborhood on the motorcycle he loved.
However, he wasn’t smiling when he saw the motorcycle collide with an ATV while he was working on his truck.
“I jumped off the hood of my truck,” said Owens. “Jumped on my four-wheeler. Dropped down to see if he was responsive or anything.”
Owens and another neighbor called 911, and he helped direct the first responders to the scene of the crash.
Unfortunately, the 65-year-old motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, just two doors down from his house.
“I can only imagine having to drive past this spot every day if one of my family members died, and I feel terrible about it,” said Owens.
FHP came to investigate and determined the motorcyclist was hit by a 14-year-old on an ATV going the wrong way on the road.
The ATV driver had minor injuries and didn’t need to go to the hospital.
“I feel bad for everyone around there,” said Owens. “It was a freak accident and apparently today was that day.”
Owens says he’s working on a memorial with wreaths, flags and a personal touch in honor of his neighbor.
“I’m going to try to see if I can get a replica of that motorcycle on a smaller scale or something, try to figure out what I can do for that,” said Owens.
Florida law requires drivers to be at least 16 years old to drive an ATV without adult supervision.
FHP said in its report that there may be charges depending on the outcome of the investigation.
