SARASOTA – The Florida Highway Patrol have identified the person killed in a motorcycle crash Thursday night.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol a fiery crash on the Suncoast claimed the life of a 19-year-old Jett Wong. The crash happened Thursday night on Bee Ridge Road and Worcester Road just after 9 p.m. State Trooper Kenn Watson says speed played a factor in the crash.
“We had two young men that were on their motorcycles out for the evening just having fun. Unfortunately they were going a little bit too fast,” said Trooper Watson.
Trooper Watson says Wong collided with a GMC Suburban driven by 68-year-old Donald Hartery who was attempting to make a left on Worcester. Wong was transported to nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries.
“This is a beautiful time of year to be out on your motorcycle or your bicycle, but the bottom line is we have to practice safe decision making ability,” said Trooper Watson.
Trooper Watson says Wong was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash but urge motorcyclist to always wear protective gear when heading out for a ride.
“If you’re going to go out on your motorcycle there’s an old saying and that is, you dress for the slide not for the ride,” said Trooper Watson. “Helmet, boots, jacket, eye protection we want to be safe and we want to stay with in the speed limit as well.”
Hartery, a retired law enforcement officer, stayed on scene and cooperated with authorities and did not sustain any injuries. Trooper Watson says both motorcyclist and motorist on the road need to be more cautious for one another.
“We want to make sure that we’re watching out for motorcycles and for those of us who own motorcycles we have to make better decisions,” said Trooper Watson.
The crash is still under investigation. Hartery is not expected to face any charges.
