PALM HARBOR - The motorcyclist killed Wednesday night in a crash on U.S. 19 has been identified as Justin Harris, 29, of 5545 Riddle Road, Clearwater.
Harris was riding a 2005 Suzuki GSX 1000 on U.S. 19 at a high rate of speed when a Volkswagen coming out of County Road 95 turned in front of him, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Harris, who was not wearing a helmet, was thrown from the motorcycle, the patrol said. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and family members confirmed he was decapitated.
The driver of the two-door Volkswagen, Nada Duheric, 43, of 2108 Cypress Point Drive, Clearwater, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Mease Countryside Hospital, the patrol said.
None of Duheric's three passengers was injured.
Duheric was not charged. An investigation is continuing.
Mishel Ruggiero, Harris' first cousin, said Harris typically wore his helmet, but he had gone to a location earlier in the evening, and when he came back outside, he found his helmet had been stolen.
"He got upset and drove home," she said.
Harris was on his way home when the wreck occurred at about 11:40 p.m., she said. She said he was decapitated in the wreck.
Harris was especially close to his father, had a daughter and recently bought a home in Holiday, she said.
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