A motorcyclist popped a wheelie shortly before they were killed in a crash in Tampa Wednesday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The wreck happened on Florida Ave. and Celestial Oaks Drive about 8:20 p.m.
According to troopers, Tristan Velez, 36, of New Port Richey, was riding a 2018 Kawasaki motorcycle north on Florida Ave. when he “elevated the front wheel off the roadway, thus driving on the rear wheel of the motorcycle with the headlamp facing skyward.”
A 2006 Chevy Cobalt was changing lanes and moved into the left turn lane. The driver, unable to see Velez, turned into his path and hit the motorcycle.
Velez was thrown from his bike into the car. He was rushed to AdventHealth Tampa, where he later died.
The driver of the Cobalt was also taken to AdventHealth to be treated for minor injuries.
No charges are pending, according to the report.
