Man dies while test-driving motorcycle outside Harley-Davidson dealer in Titusville, police say
TITUSVILLE, Fla. - A man was killed after he crashed his motorcycle into the wall of a Titusville shopping center while test-driving it on Monday afternoon, according to police.
The crash happened around 4:15 p.m. at 2405 South Hopkins Ave., the address of Miracle City Harley-Davidson. The man was test-driving a 2014 Harley-Davidson motorcycle within the confines of the Titus Landing parking area, lost control, and crashed into the back wall of an unoccupied shopping center, police said.
Christopher Maglione, a witness who works in the Titus Landing area, told FOX 35 that the motorcycle was "going the wrong way" down the nearby street. It sounded like it was at least going 50 mph through the area. Police have not released any information about how fast the motorcycle rider was going.
"I’m incredibly shocked. I’ve never heard of anything like that happening in this plaza before ever," Maglione said.
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He was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead less than half an hour later. The man was identified as 68-year-old Richard Peach of Cocoa. Police said that preliminary findings show he was wearing a safety helmet and possessed a valid Florida driver's license, which included a motorcycle endorsement.
An avid motorcycle rider named Kenny told FOX 35 about the lack of protection one has when riding.
"There’s no protection. If somebody bumps you in a car, you get a dent in a door. They bump you on this thing, you probably lose a leg," he said.
No other injuries or vehicles were involved in the crash, police said.
The crash remains under investigation.
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This is a developing story.