Available 
Wesley Chapel, FL (June 8, 2026) – A fatal collision involving a Honda CRV and a Yamaha motorcycle was reported Saturday night at the intersection of Handcart Road and Old Bridge Road in Wesley Chapel. The wreck occurred at about 11 p.m. on June 6.
According to information released by investigators, 70-year-old Jaykumar Patel was driving north on Handcart Road when he turned left onto Old Bridge Road. Officials said the turn placed his vehicle in the path of an oncoming motorcycle operated by a 31-year-old Zephyrhills man.
The rider and his 32-year-old female passenger, also from Zephyrhills, were thrown from the motorcycle. Both were taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries, and the rider later died.
Investigators said Patel left the area after the collision and returned home. He was arrested a short time later and booked into the Pasco County jail early Sunday, June 7. Court records show he faces charges related to leaving the scene of a crash involving death, injuries, and property damage.
Additional details about the accident had not been made public as of this report, although they are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding what occurred that night.
We extend heartfelt condolences to the rider’s family and all those grieving this loss.
Why Left-Turn Motorcycle Collisions Can Be So Severe
Motorcycle collisions involving left-turning vehicles are usually among the most serious roadway events. These crashes frequently happen when a driver turns across the path of an approaching motorcycle, leaving little time for either person to avoid contact.
Because motorcycles offer less physical protection than passenger vehicles, riders and passengers face a higher risk of severe harm. Visibility can also become a factor, particularly at night or in areas with changing traffic patterns.
After a serious roadway collision, investigators commonly review vehicle positions, travel directions, witness statements, roadway conditions, and available video footage. Medical findings may also help clarify the extent of harm. Gathering these details can help explain how the collision occurred and provide a clearer picture of the sequence of actions leading up to it.
