TAMPA — A 37-year-old motorcyclist was killed when she drifted into the side of a Publix semitrailer truck on an Interstate 4 exit ramp Wednesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Eva Chase, 37, of Davenport was driving a 2001 Suzuki west on I-4 just before noon heading toward the I-75 exit ramp when she drifted into the right side of a truck operated by the Lakeland-based Publix Supermarket.
The motorcyclist hit the truck's landing gear with such force she was thrown from the bike, state troopers said.
Chase, whom officials say was wearing a helmet, died at the scene of the crash.
Lucius D. Andrews, 46, who was driving the semi, did not notice his truck had been hit and continued driving a short distance before he was contacted by the Florida Highway Patrol. Andrews returned to the scene of the crash.
The collision temporarily shut down the exit ramp to I-75. An investigation is underway.
Marissa Lang can be reached at mlang@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3386 or on Twitter @Marissa_Jae.
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