Last Updated: 1:19 p.m.
Richard K. Taylor, a 51-year-old motorcyclist from Palm Coast’s Beechwood Lane, was killed at dawn this morning in a head-on crash with a pick-up truck on State Road 11, about a mile south of Old Haw Creek Road, closing that section of the state highway until 9:30 a.m.
The pick-up truck driver, E. Gonzales of DeLand, was not injured even though the truck itself, a Toyota, was partially incinerated after the collision, as both the pick-up and the motorcycle ended up in the wood-line. The wreck took place at 6:13 this morning.
State Road 11 remained closed from Old Haw Creek Road south for three hours as Florida Highway Patrol investigators worked the scene.
An FHP investigator there said the pick-up truck was heading north toward Bunnell and was attempting to pass another vehicle on a straight section of road, where passing is permitted. “It was well within the passing lane, so that’s not an issue at all,” the investigator said.
The motorcyclist was riding southward. The collision took place during the passing maneuver. It’s not yet clear whether the vehicles lights were functioning properly.
“I don’t know why either or both or one of the drivers failed to see each other,” the investigator said, noting that the investigation is in its preliminary stages.
Taylor was catapulted from the motorcycle, his body remaining on the pavement in the southbound lane of the highway. The two vehicles ended up on the east side of the highway, the motorcycle partially beneath the front of the pick-up truck. Debris, including a large white cooler, a section of the motorcycle and a pair of shades, was scattered on both lanes of the highway.
The medical examiner arrived from Palatka around 7:15 a.m.
Flagler County Fire Rescue, the Palm Coast Fire Department, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the Palm Coast Fire Police responded to the scene in addition to FHP. Roger’s Towing cleared the vehicles.
markingthedays says
People always in a hurry to pass. What a shame.
barbie says
That road is incredibly dangerous, even when no one is in a hurry. Every time I drive it, though, I’ll be doing the speed limit and somehow, I’m always getting passed. Cops ought to patrol it more often, they’d make a fortune in fines.
sunandsand says
Very sad. Slow down people!
Resident says
My condolences for the Taylor family. May Richard rest in eternal peace.
confidential says
Bad passing move from Gonzalez!.
Anonymous says
Let peace be in the soul of the Mr. Richard Taylor and God Bless his kids and wife. Hope the angels deliver you to heavens. May you rest in peace.
Karen Cruz says
This road is very, very dangerous. You have very slow drivers, very fast drivers. Dangerous to pass even in the “go” sections. Won’t do it. Just suffer through the “Sunday drivers”. Not worth the expense. I am truly sorry for this tragic accident.
Wookie402 says
Keith was a great friend, father, and husband. Having known keith for many years I can say that he will be missed by all. We all need to pray for his wife and four children he left behind. They have lost a great person way too early in their lives. Keith was always there for anyone who needed him and in this time of loss those who knew him need to do the same for his family. You will be missed by everyone you met throughout your life.
McCabe Family says
My family was blessed by knowing Keith and his family through coaching soccer with Keith and coaching our respective sons Kenny and Kie. I knew Keith as a humble, family loving man that liked to laugh. He often joked that he knew nothing about soccer, but coached to make sure the kids were having fun. I will miss him for his sincerity, humility and his gift of making everyone around him feeling comfortable. We all lost a special man, we all need to remember Keith by maybe trying to be a little more like him – humble, family oriented and a gentleman. Rest in peace Brother.
Wookie patrol member 402 says
My deepest condolences go out to Cheryl and the kids. I am devastated at the loss of a close friend, who was a patient and caring man. A caring husband and loving father. A man that took the time out of his busy schedule to be a wonderful scoutmaster for the boys in troop 402. The things that he contributed and taught will follow these young men for the rest of their lives. Keith you will be missed dearly my friend and I will always remember you by all the good times that we had. As I think all the leaders will as well. My thoughts and prayers from nyc.
ES402 says
The man helped mentor my life into what it is today… God needed a shining star for his sky… A shining star is what he got. Rest easy Keith. We are all going to miss you buddy. My heart goes out to his family that he left behind. Words cant describe what a truly devastating loss this is.
Kenny Taylor says
i miss my dad even 5 years later, i still cry to this day and think about him everyday.