Motorcyclist trying to avoid hitting animal on Belleair Road killed in crash

CLEARWATER — A 24-year-old motorcyclist died Tuesday night from injuries he sustained in a wreck after he swerved on the road to avoid hitting an animal, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

Keith Mastronardo of St. Petersburg was headed east on Belleair Road west of St. Paul Drive when he swerved his motorcycle to avoid hitting the animal, troopers said.

Mastronardo lost control and was thrown off the motorcycle, landing in the path of a Toyota heading west on Belleair Road, which struck him.

Mastronardo was taken to Largo Medical Center, where he died, troopers said.

Jerome E. Mullarkey, 77, and his passenger, Kathleen Mullarkey, 67, both of Clearwater, were not hurt.

No charges are expected.

An investigation remained under way Wednesday morning.