Weirsdale, FL : Kenneth D. Fox Jr., 25, killed in motorcycle crash on CR 25 in Marion County on Wednesday night, June 8, 2016

A Umatilla man died late Wednesday night when the motorcycle he was riding went off County Road 25 and struck utility pole.

Kenneth D. Fox Jr., 25, was killed in the crash, according to Florida Highway Patrol troopers.

Justin Spittle, a witness to the crash, told a Star-Banner reporter he was northbound on County Road 25 to visit his girlfriend when he noticed a motorcycle in the opposite lane was speeding as it rounded a curve.

Spittle, who is from Leesburg, said the speed of the motorcycle caused the driver to lose control and the bike entered his lane. Spittle said he had to swerve, to avoid hitting it.

The bike “flew off the road,” he said. It slid onto the grassy shoulder, struck a wooden utility pole and ejected the rider. I his rear view mirror, Spittle said, he saw the utility pole shaking.

The rider was not wearing a helmet, Spittle said.

According to troopers, Fox was driving a 2016 Kawasaki Ninja south on CR 25 and crossed the double yellow line. The motorcycle then entered the east shoulder, continued to travel on the shoulder and then hit the pole.

The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene by a Marion County Fire Rescue paramedic, according to FHP officials.

Speed was believed to be a factor in the crash, they said.

It occurred shortly before 10:30 p.m. on CR 25 near Southeast 143rd Street, an area with no street lights.

The death was the second motorcycle-related fatality in less than a week.

On Friday night, a passenger was killed when a motorcycle was struck from behind by a car. The rider was taken to a local hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.

Source :
Motorcyclist, 25, killed in crash on CR 25