Palm Bay, FL : Man killed in Palm Bay dirt bike crash on Saturday, 11th April, 2020

An 18-year-old Palm Bay man was killed in an off-road dirt bike crash with a couple late Saturday during a gathering of family members and other onlookers, police report.

An investigation is underway into the accident, which claimed the life of Darius Gowins. He was not wearing a helmet, police said. A man and a woman - also not wearing helmets - were injured during the collision while riding another dirt bike, police said. The couple's condition was not immediately known.

Police said family members and friends were gathered about 6:30 p.m. in an area off of Freeburg Avenue in the southwest section of the city.

The size of the crowd was not immediately known but police have continued to discourage similar gatherings as federal and state authorities continue to press the public to remain at home and keep social distancing during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. No charges have been filed but Palm Bay police were out at the Compound again on Sunday after learning of other dirt bike events slated to take place.

“It was in an open area of land,” said Sgt. Ralphael Austin of the Palm Bay Police Department.

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