Oak Hill, Florida – A tragic motorcycle crash on Interstate 95 in Volusia County claimed the life of a 34-year-old woman from Sanford on Friday afternoon, according to authorities with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The incident, which occurred near the Brevard County line, has led to the arrest of the motorcycle’s operator on serious criminal charges.
Fatal Crash Occurs on I-95 in Volusia County
The deadly single-vehicle crash happened at approximately 2:05 p.m. on I-95 northbound at mile marker 235, just north of Brevard County, troopers said. Investigators reported that the motorcycle was traveling through Oak Hill, an area known for heavy interstate traffic, when the fatal incident unfolded.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the motorcycle involved was a 2003 Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide operated by Ricardo Bernal, 45, of Sanford, Florida. The victim, whose name has not yet been publicly released, was riding as a passenger on the back of the motorcycle.
Passenger Allegedly Fell Asleep Before Fatal Fall
Preliminary findings from the FHP crash report indicate that the woman is believed to have fallen asleep while riding on the motorcycle. As a result, she lost her balance and fell off the bike, landing on the roadway.
Troopers stated that after falling from the motorcycle, the woman struck a guardrail, suffering fatal injuries. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities also confirmed that neither the driver nor the passenger was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, a factor that may have contributed to the severity of the injuries.
Driver Arrested on Serious Charges
Following the investigation, Ricardo Bernal was taken into custody and arrested on multiple charges. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Bernal was charged with driving with a revoked license as a habitual traffic offender resulting in death, a serious felony offense under Florida law.
In addition, Bernal was also charged with driving without a motorcycle endorsement, which is required to legally operate a motorcycle in the state of Florida.
After his arrest, Bernal was transported and booked into the Volusia County Jail, where he remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Traffic Disruptions and Road Closures
The fatal crash caused significant traffic disruptions along Interstate 95 during the busy afternoon hours. Authorities temporarily diverted traffic at Exit 231 onto U.S. Highway 1 in the Scottsmoor area as troopers conducted their investigation and cleared the scene.
Motorists experienced delays as law enforcement worked to document evidence and remove the motorcycle from the roadway. The northbound lanes of I-95 were later reopened once the scene was cleared and deemed safe for travel.
Investigation Ongoing
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including speed, road conditions, and additional contributing factors. Officials have not indicated whether impairment played a role but emphasized the dangers of riding without proper safety gear.
Troopers also used the incident as a reminder of the importance of valid licensing, motorcycle endorsements, and helmet use, especially on high-speed roadways like Interstate 95.
This tragic incident marks yet another fatal motorcycle crash in Central Florida, highlighting ongoing concerns about roadway safety for riders and passengers alike.
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