Jason Richards, a 46-year-old resident of Winter Haven in town for Bike Week, died not long after he crashed his motorcycle off Colbert Lane near Roberts Road Saturday evening (March 16).
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Richards was traveling south on Colbert Lane on his 2009 Buell when he veered right, ran off the road and was ejected. The crash took place at 6:32 p.m.
A driver who was behind Richards quite a ways did not see him crash, but stopped and provided CPR. Richards (who was wearing a helmet) was not breathing at that point, but he was bleeding from the face, according to 911 notes. It was immediately reported to 911 that no other vehicle had been involved.
FHP troopers minutes before had been dispatched to a crash at U.S. 1 and Hargrove Grade in Palm Coast, and came over from there, as the other crash was less serious. About six minutes after the crash, Richards was reported to have agonal or gasping breathing just as an emergency helicopter was launched and Colbert Road was shut down in either direction, from Roberts Road to State Road 100. But soon the helicopter was canceled, and Richards transported to AdventHealth Palm Coast.
The road was reopened at 7:30 p.m. But Richards died that evening, at 7:32, and was taken to the Medical Examiner’s office in St. Augustine.
Besides FHP, the sheriff’s office, Flagler County Fire Rescue, the Palm Coast Fire Department and the Palm Coast Fire Police responded to the crash scene.
Richards, who worked in construction and spent most of his life in Winter Haven in Central Florida, was an avid motorcyclist and the father of a young son, whose pictures appeared on Richards’s Facebook page as often as those of Richards’s motorcycle. He also had a daughter and two step-daughters and was engaged. (His obituary is here.)
Richards’s autopsy has not been completed. But his daughter contacted FlaglerLive Wednesday to say that his death was not related to his riding (nor to Bike Week) but that he’d suffered a heart attack. She said he’d suffered a heart attack six months ago as well.
The afternoon of March 18 the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office issued a release on its Bike Week operations: “There was increased law enforcement presence countywide, especially in high-traffic locations such as the White Eagle Bar at the intersection of Old Dixie Highway at US1 and the beaches along A1A,” the release states. “The Motor and Traffic Units conducted traffic enforcement operations at high crash locations to deter speeding and aggressive driving. They were joined by Deputy Leprechaun who ran radar and reminded drivers to slow down and drive safely. Deputies conducted 940 traffic stops during the ten-day period. There were 98 traffic crashes handled by deputies and Citizens on Patrol (volunteer COPs that assist the Sheriff’s Office with minor traffic accidents). DUI patrols worked multiple evenings to maintain the safety of the community by taking impaired drivers off the streets. Six arrests were made for driving under the influence.
Dave says
They must put a stop to this bike week! For some reason these shananeggins have been allowed to continue long after they banned the Black People from having a college week. These bikers do nothing but litter our roads with obscene noise and drunken biking. We would be better off ending this senseless tradition
Richard says
I am very sadden about the loss of this persons life. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Weather wise it was a cold windy day but nothing that would prevent riding a motorcycle safely. Possibly he had a medical condition which caused him to lose control. Only the medical examiner would know for sure.
Concerned Citizen says
The best part of bike week is when it’s over and the assholes go home.
ASF says
It sounds like it might be possible that he had some sort of medical event while he was riding on his bike. MY condolences to family and friends.
girl says
RIP prayers to family and friends…
Jack Perro says
A traffic fatality is a tragic event and a time for all of us to stop and reflect on our own lives.
My prayers go out to his family and friends.
I noticed near the end of this article you mentioned that “COP’s assist the Sheriff’s Office with minor crashes”.
That is not the case, Traffic Crash Investigators (TCI’s), who are part of the COP division are highly trained investigators who do all kinds of traffic crashes. Some minor, some major. TCI’s can work a crash up to an incapacitating injury.
EXAMPLE:
TCI’s work crashes that involve vehicles that are towed due to major damage, road blockage, minor injuries, write traffic citations, go to traffic court, direct traffic at major crashes, work intersections when traffic lights are not functioning, VIN checks, keep disabled vehicles stuck on the road safe until a tow truck
arrives. Last year TCI’s worked 1,000 crashes!
TCI’s do all this for the citizens of Flagler for free! How do I know this? Because I am a proud TCI.
Jason says
A great man and close personal friend has lost his life and all you can think to post is you own selfish and negative opinion! This event has probably been taking place longer then you have been a resident of the area and brings an enormous amount of money into the community and local business! Most bikers are great people and would go out of their way to help a stranger in need. You sir should be completely ashamed of your self!!
Kim says
I’m Jason Richard’s fiancé of 11 years and these insensitive comments are very hurtful. Jason was a very responsible rider, was traveling with his four close friends to St. Augustine to his favorite place to eat dinner. . The stereotyping needs to stop. Bikers look forward to events like this, it isn’t any different than sporting events, concerts, festivals, etc. They are a family unit. It’s obvious that Jason’s accident was due to his medical condition. Me, his 7 yo son, 21 yo daughter, my 2 daughters his 2 sisters, parents and friends are still in shock and are deeply mourning his absence. He was my rock, my life, my energizer bunny who never stopped working. Please keep your negative comments to yourself.
Richard says
Kim, I am so sorry for your loss and my sincere condolences to you and his surviving family members. I am a rider also and have been enjoying a motorcycle ride occasionally over the last 50+ years. However there are those that live among us that think we are the scum of the earth. Little do they know that that they are really describing themselves so maybe they should look carefully into a mirror before opening their mouths thereby letting their useless one brain cell to fall out.
Kim says
Thank you for your service and stay safe.
Mike C says
Kim, I was saddened to hear about Jason. We met through business and considered Jason my friend. So sorry for your loss. Lots of love from Birmingham Al.
Joshua D. Mattie says
Rest in peace. And we should be careful while riding a motorcycle.