TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Motorcyclist Killed In Pinellas Park Collision Identified

ADVERTISEMENT

By STEPHEN THOMPSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 15, 2008

Updated: 07/15/2008 05:06 pm

PINELLAS PARK - A 23-year-old motorcyclist was killed Monday night when his 2005 Suzuki GSX-R collided with – then slid under – a Dodge Ram 3500 pickup at 49th Street North and 62nd Avenue, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Mario Frank Lutchman, of Pinellas Park, was going more than 80 mph in a 40 mph zone on 49th Street when the truck turned in front of him onto 62nd Avenue, the highway patrol said.

Lutchman tried braking, then laid the motorcycle down on its right side. The motorcycle became lodged under the truck, and Lutchman tumbled and slid along 49th Street, the patrol said.

The motorcycle's gas tank ruptured, igniting a blaze that consumed the motorcycle and the truck, the patrol said.

The driver of the Dodge, Joseph Anthony Richardson, 38, of Seminole, was not injured, the patrol said.

No charges were filed.

Lutchman's blood is expected to be tested to see whether alcohol was a factor, the patrol said. There was no indication Richardson had been drinking, the patrol said.

Reporter Stephen Thompson can be reached at (727) 451-2336 or spthompson@tampatrib.com.

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT