Sandra Lee Ricard, a 56-year-old resident of Tampa, was killed Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle wreck on State Road 20 in Putnam County that left her husband Lawrence Albert Ricard, 64, in critical condition. The couple were riding a motorcycle.
The wreck took place at 4:20 p.m. at the intersection of State Road 20 and County Road 21 South, west of Interlachen, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report.
According to the report, Allen O. Thomas, 63, of Hawthorne, was traveling west on State Road 20, driving a 2003 Mitsubishi Gallant. Sandra and Lawrence Ricard were on a Harley Davidson, going east, with Ricard piloting. Thomas attempted a left turn onto County Road 21 south. He broke the Ricard’s right of way, causing the motorcycle to collide with the Gallant. Both Ricards were thrown from the Harley.
They were not wearing helmets.
Thomas was treated by paramedics for minor injuries at the scene and was released. Lawrence Ricard was airlifted to Shands hospital in Gainesville, in critical condition. Sandra Ricard was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending, as is the determination whether alcohol was involved, in so far as Thomas is concerned. The FHP report indicates that alcohol was not a factor regarding the Ricards.
The homicide investigation was conducted by FHP Cpl. Pete Young. The crash investigator is trooper R. Richards.
confidential says
This is just plain murder as I see the violation of right of way exercised by incoming vehicles causing fatal injuries too often specially against bikers. Violators get a slap in the wrist in Florida courts.
Geezer says
Sandra Lee:
I hope that your sojourn in our world was a happy one,
and I truly hope that on your next stop you will be reunited
with loved-ones who passed before you.
My sympathies go out to all your friends and family.
Joe says
Just another reason I will NEVER ride a motorcycle. Ride at your own risk.
Rosa says
Sandy, may you rest in peace. You are missed and your family has gained an angel in the skies. To the Ricard Family, my condolences.
Norma says
It’s sad all the way around. Whether helmets and riding gear would have made a difference or not..we will never know. However, I strongly believe it should mandatory in all states.
TraciLea says
She is my cousin, and her mother always begged me to stay away from motorcycles because of the danger. So sad to lose her to such an accident. My heart breaks, but it is comforting to know that she rests with her mother in peace and eternity.
Susan G: says
I’m so saddened by your loss. Amy called today to tell me the very sad news. She misses her momma terribly. I have told the office and we are all very sad to hear what happened. Rest in Peace girlfriend, you will truly be missed.
Janis Beck says
My heart breaks for Amy and her family. Sandi was bigger than life and full of fun. Hopefully her memory will comfort you all. I will miss her.