Advertisement

Police identify Tarpon Springs motorcyclist dead in fiery crash

 
Published Oct. 1, 2017

TARPON SPRINGS — A motorcyclist who died after a fiery Friday night crash has been identified as 43-year-old Tarpon Springs resident Barrett Richard Phelps, according to city police.

Phelps had been riding a 2005 Yamaha motorcycle south on U.S. 19 about 8:15 p.m. when he crashed into the back of a Ford Mustang, police said.

The Mustang's driver had just made a legal U-turn, turning north to south.

When the motorcycle hit, Phelps was ejected. The motorcycle was then hit by a Chevrolet sport utility vehicle with five people inside, including three children. When police arrived at the intersection at Mango Street, they found both the motorcycle and the Chevy SUV on fire.

Everyone inside the SUV escaped with no injuries. The driver of the Mustang sustained minor injuries.

Phelps was taken to Florida Hospital North Pinellas, where he was pronounced dead at 9:02 p.m.

Tarpon police ask that anyone with more information contact Officer Christine Brinker or Sgt. Frank Ruggiero at (727) 938-2849.