VERO BEACH — A 37-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a two-vehicle crash Monday morning, leading police to close U.S. 1 in both directions for about five hours, officials said. This is the second fatal wreck to happen within the past day in Indian River County.
The motorcyclist was identified as Jonathon Johnson, of Sebastian, Vero Beach police spokesperson Master Officer Darrell Rivers said. Rivers said Johnson’s next of kin has been notified.
The driver of the other vehicle involved was not seriously hurt, officials said.
Indian River County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to the crash involving the motorcycle and the car at 7:30 a.m. Monday at U.S. 1 and Aviation Boulevard, Battalion Chief Steve Greer said. Rivers said Johnson was riding a 2006 Suzuki motorcycle on southbound U.S. 1 while a man driving a 2007 Dodge Magnum was headed northbound approaching Aviation Boulevard.
Witnesses told police the Dodge driver was getting ready to make a left turn onto Aviation Boulevard. “It appears the Dodge (driver) turned into the path of the motorcycle,” Rivers said.
Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene, Greer said. The Dodge driver – the only person in the car – refused medical treatment.
Vero Beach police closed north and southbound U.S. 1 between 26th Street and 37th Street. The roadway was reopened by Monday afternoon, police said.
The deadly crash remains under investigation.
No further details were immediately available.
