On January 26, 2013, a fatal motorcycle crash in Tampa occurred near Magnolia Avenue and Cleveland Street. Tampa Fire Rescue crews responded to this deadly wreck that took place around 6:30 p.m. Saturday evening just west of downtown Tampa.
Tampa police stated that two men were on a 2009 Harley-Davidson traveling west on Cleveland Street near Magnolia Avenue when traffic started stopping. The driver began to brake but lost control of the motorcycle, causing the bike to crash and the motorcycle fall and slide on the ground. When the wreck occurred, the rear rider struck his head on the pavement. Both men were taken to Tampa General Hospital following the serious collision.
Tampa detectives are looking into where these men were prior to the crash, as the investigation is ongoing. Following the wreck, Cleveland Street remained closed Saturday evening for an accident investigation causing a traffic jam as traffic headed out of South Tampa.
Tampa police later identified the motorcyclists as driver Kyle John Viticonte, 23, of Ormond Beach, and passenger Matthew Heilman, 24, of Thornwood, New York. Sadly, Heilman died the next day from the injuries he sustained in the wreck. Viticonte was last reported to be in serious but stable condition and is recovering at the hospital.
Police indicated that detectives have not been able to interview Viticonte yet due to his medical condition.
Mallard Perez would like to extend our best wishes to Kyle John Viticonte for a complete and speedy recovery, and we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Matthew Heilman following this devastating crash.