Motorcyclist and bear die as result of traffic crash near Ocala
Marion Cunty, Florida - A traffic crash between a motorcycle and a bear, that occurred in Marion County at 11:02 pm, on Thursday evening, March 11, resulted in the deaths of both the driver and the bear. The crash occurred east of Ocala near the Ocala National Forest. According to a press release by the Florida Highway Patrol, a 42 year-old Ocala, Florida man was driving a 1999 Honda motorcycle, traveling west on State Road 40, approximately 500 feet west of State Road 19, and struck the bear that was in the westbound lane. The Honda overturned onto its left side and the driver departed from the motorcycle. The motorcycle and the driver came to rest in the southbound lane of State Road 40. The driver, who was not wearing a helmet, was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center in Ocala, where he was later pronounced deceased. The bear also died as a result of the crash.