Woman killed in St. Pete after motorcycle loses wheel and crashes

ST. PETERSBURG — A woman died after the motorcycle she was riding on lost a wheel and crashed on Interstate 275 Thursday night, officials said.

The crash was reported at about 7:35 p.m. on southbound I-275 at 28th Street S.

According to troopers, a Tierra Verde couple was in the center lane when their 2009 Harley Davidson TriGlide lost one of its wheels.

William Riley, the driver, lost control. He and his wife, Janet Riley, were thrown onto the grassy median. Janet Riley, 63, died at the scene. William Riley, also 63, was taken to Bayfront Medical Center with serious injuries.

The accident was not alcohol-related, officials said. Both people were wearing helmets.

The left lane of the highway was blocked for more than an hour as Florida Highway Patrol troopers investigated.