Wellborn man killed in motorcycle crash, passenger seriously injured.
Ocala, FL (July 6, 2009) - A Suwannee County motorcyclist died in a Sunday evening crash in Marion County that the Florida Highway Patrol determined was caused by a drunk driver.
Thomas W. Akridge, 49, Wellborn, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 6:50 p.m. crash on State Road 40 at Southwest 166th Court Road. Akridge's passenger on the 2003 Harley Davidson was identified as Wendy Coulter-Braden, 51, Homosassa. She was flown to Shands at the University of Florida with critical injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP identified the other driver involved as Victor Nevola, 74, of Ocala who was alone in the 2005 Hyundai Accent he was driving at the time of the crash. Nevola reportedly received non-incapacitating injuries and refused medical treatment before being booked into the Marion County jail. Nevola was arrested at the scene and charged with DUI manslaughter, DUI causing serious bodily injury, DUI causing property damage, and improper left turn.
In his crash report, FHP Corporal Mark Weber wrote that Nevola was westbound on S. R. 40 while Akridge was eastbound on the same highway. Nevola reportedly began making a left turn in front of Akridge's motorcycle to drive onto Southwest 166th Court Road, a maneuver that FHP claimed was in violation of Akridge's right-of-way.
Based on evidence at the scene and witness statements, Akridge "attempted to take evasive action by applying brakes and laying (the motorcycle) down on its right side to avoid collision," Weber wrote in the report.
The front of Nevola's Hyundai hit the right front of the motorcycle, ejecting Akridge and Coulter-Braden.
"The on-scene investigation determined that the driver (of the Hyundai) was impaired at the time of the crash and was arrested on the scene by Corporal Daniel DeWeese," Weber wrote.
** UPDATE **
Injured motorcycle passenger in critical condition.
Ocala, FL (July 7, 2009) - A passenger involved in a motorcycle crash, killing the motorcycle rider Sunday in Ocala remains in the hospital, according to a spokeswoman for the facility.
Wendy Coulter-Braden was listed in fair condition Tuesday, a spokeswoman for Shands at the University of Florida Hospital in Gainesville said. The 51-year-old Homosassa woman was taken to Shands in critical condition following the accident that occurred at State Road 40 and Southwest 166th Court Road.
The rider, Thomas W. Akridge of Wellborn, was killed in the incident.
Following the wreck, Florida Highway Patrol troopers arrested 74-year-old Victor A. Nevola and charged him with DUI manslaughter.
At the Marion County Jail, Nevola blew a .120 and .119. Nevola, who on Tuesday was still at the jail, and refused an interview request from reporters.
Troopers say a witness told them he was behind Nevola's 2005 Hyundai on SR 40, when he saw the vehicle brake several times for unknown reasons. Then, the witness said, Nevola’s vehicle turned left onto Southwest 166 Court Road and into the path of the motorcyclist.
Officials say both Akridge and Braden were ejected from the bike. The two were not wearing their helmets at the time of the crash officials say.
