PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A 50-year-old motorcyclist from St. Pete died Thursday morning after he was run over by a semi on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers said the motorcyclist was riding on the inside northbound lane behind an SUV and in front of a semi.
As traffic slowed, troopers said the SUV slowed down, but the motorcyclist didn't and crashed into the back of the SUV. The man was then thrown from his motorcycle and run over by the semi, FHP said.
The motorcyclist was taken to an area hospital, where he died from his injuries.
The driver of the SUV, a 55-year-old woman from Wimauma, and the semi driver, a 57-year-old man from Columbus, Florida, were not injured.
An initial press release from FHP said the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet. FHP later said they believe he was wearing one after a price of a helmet visor was found at the scene.
According to FHP, helmets are often taken with the patient before investigators arrive at the scene.
Family members of the motorcyclist, identified as Ty Weaver, head brewer for 3 Daughters Brewing, said he was very strict about wearing his helmet.
The brewery said Weaver was an "exceptional person whose talent, dedication and love for the art of brewing were unmatched."
