Manatee County, FL : Motorcycle rider dies in Manatee County crash on Whitfield Avenue approaching 15th Street East on Thursday, 2nd January, 2020

A motorcycle rider was killed in a crash Thursday night in Manatee County, the Florida Highway Patrol reports.

According to the FHP, James Russell Smith, 20, of Bradenton was riding a Yamaha motorcycle west on Whitfield Avenue approaching 15th Street East at about 9:30 p.m. Braeden Kyle Smith, 34, of Sarasota was driving a Chevrolet Camaro east on Whitfield.

The Yamaha traveled toward the entrance to the 7-Eleven gas station at 6886 15th St. E. The Chevrolet slowed to make a left turn into the 7-Eleven. As the Chevrolet turned, the Yamaha attempted to avoid a collision. However the right side of the Yamaha collided with the right rear of the Chevrolet.

James Smith, who was wearing a helmet, was thrown from the vehicle and fatally injured. Neither Braeden Smith nor a 32-year-old male passenger, who were both wearing seat belts, were injured.

The crash is under investigation.

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