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Highlands Today

Motorcyclist Killed In Sunday Crash

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By Joe  Seelig | Highlands Today

Published: May 19, 2008

SEBRING — A Lake Placid motorcyclist was killed late Sunday afternoon after he reportedly rode into the path of a southbound Ford Aerostar van, according to a Florida Highway Patrol news release.

Michael Garcia, 71, was transported to Florida Hospital Lake Placid where he was pronounced dead, according to traffic homicide investigator Cpl. L.M. Smith Jr.

Garcia was headed east on Lake Mirror Drive riding a 2004 Suzuki Marauder, the report stated, when he entered the southbound lane of U.S. 27 and was hit by a 1993 van driven by Alexander Bailey, 54, of Lake Placid.

The front of the van hit the left side of the motorcycle, ejecting Garcia from the motorcycle. He was wearing a helmet, but the helmet was knocked loose upon impact.

The motorcycle came to a final stop on its right side on the inside lane of U.S. 27.

Bailey was not injured and alcohol was not a factor on the part of Bailey, the report stated.

Whether alcohol may have been a factor in the case of Garcia will be determined at a later date when investigators get the results of a toxicological study which is a standard procedure in the event of a traffic homicide.

The motorcycle sustained $4,000 damage and the van sustained $3,500 in damage.
No charges were filed at press time.

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