A motorcycle ride for one couple turned deadly on Sunday, January 8, 2012 in Manatee County. According to officials, a Winter Haven couple was traveling home from a bikefest in Sarasota when they were involved in a fatal motorcycle crash.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 17-year-old girl of Bradenton overcorrected her Toyota Prius, causing her car to run off the road and into the eastbound lane. She collided with the motorcycle, ejecting the couple from the bike.
When police arrived on the scene, they declared both motorcyclists dead. The driver of the Prius suffered serious injuries, but her passenger remained uninjured.
John Washabaugh, 61, and his wife, 55-year-old Fay Washabaugh were the two motorcyclists killed in this tragic crash while they were riding their Harley-Davidson eastbound on State Road 62. According to the report, the deadly wreck took place around 8:30 p.m. Sunday night.
The Washabaughs took up riding about five years ago when they became “empty-nesters.” They inspired a small cul-de-sac neighborhood at the end of Jonathan Lane in Winter Haven, full of other couples suffering from empty nest.
Neighbors gathered to mourn their loss, as they were a close group who raised their children together. Neighbors told reporters that John Washabaugh was known for his mischievousness, as well as for being the persistent but playful uncle that would try anything, and that Fay would have long conversations with neighbors and could out-shop anyone.
Sarasota car accident attorneys at Mallard Perez would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and neighbors of the Washabaughs, and wish them strength to get through this difficult time.
