Zoo Herpetologist killed in motorcycle crash in Jacksonville Florida

A Jacksonville Zoo herpetologist was killed in a motorcycle crash Wednesday morning.Amy Hernden with the Jacksonville Zoo said Steve Gott was killed after he crashed his motorcycle into railroad crossing arms while traveling northbound on Zoo Parkway at Parker Avenue around 9:15 a.m.Gott was ejected in the crash while his motorcycle continued a short distance from the railroad, according to Sgt. Dylan Bryan with the Florida Highway Patrol.Gott was transported to UF Health Jacksonville with life-threatening injuries where state troopers said he later died.At the time of the incident, CSX employees were working on the crossing arms and there was not a train coming through the area.Gott worked for the Jacksonville Zoo for 12 years working in the Herpetology department as a supervisor, according to a Facebook post by the Jacksonville Zoo. "His passion for reptiles and amphibians shined through his work," the post detailed.Gott was particularly passionate about turtle conservation and one of his greatest ambitions was to bring the giant tortoise back to the Jacksonville Zoo."Steve will be missed greatly by all people and animals at the Zoo," the post expressed.