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New Port Richey motorcyclist killed, passenger critically injured in Pasco crash

 
Published May 3, 2015

A New Port Richey motorcyclist was killed and his passenger critically injured in a crash in Pasco County early Sunday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Michael Powell, 54, was traveling north in the outside lane of Little Road north of Plathe Road around 2:46 a.m., authorities said. Michael Rutledge, 21, was driving in front of him and slowed for a vehicle stopped in the outside lane with its hazard lights flashing, according to the Highway Patrol.

Powell failed to slow and hit the rear of Rutledge's car with the front of his motorcycle, ejecting him and his passenger, authorities said. The Highway Patrol said he died at the scene while his passenger, Rachel Rosa, 51, suffered critical injuries and was transported to Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

Neither Powell nor Rosa were wearing helmets, according to authorities. Rutledge was uninjured, the Highway Patrol said.