OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A 19-year-old man from Crystal River was killed in a crash Thursday afternoon after his motorcycle collided with an SUV on State Road 40, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The crash happened when FHP says an SUV traveling north on SW 67th Avenue Road attempted to cross SR-40 and failed to yield the right of way. The motorcycle was heading west in the inside lane of SR-40, approaching NW 68th Avenue Road. A sedan was also at the intersection, stopped at a stop sign on NW 68th Avenue.

Troopers say the 82-year-old Ocala woman driving the SUV entered the intersection and into the path of the motorcycle. The motorcyclist tried to avoid the crash by veering into the outside lane but was unable to avoid the collision. The front of the motorcycle struck the right side of the SUV.

Debris from the motorcycle then hit a nearby sedan, driven by a 45-year-old woman from Ocala. She was not injured.

The SUV’s driver and an 81-year-old male passenger, both from Ocala, sustained minor injuries. The motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Florida Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation.

Updated 6.26.25 at 4:42 p.m.: Traffic is slowly moving again after a crash on State Road 40 near Airport Road that shut down all lanes earlier Thursday, according to Florida 511 and the Florida Highway Patrol.

Eastbound lanes are now fully open, and one westbound lane has reopened. Crews from multiple agencies, including Marion County Fire Rescue, remain on scene at NW 68th Avenue.

“It adds five minutes to your trip, but you can get through,” said Todd Kane, who is headed to Dunnellon from Ocala.

Drivers are still advised to use caution, as first responders continue clearing the scene and directing traffic.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Originally published at 4:24 p.m.: A crash on State Road 40 near Airport Road has shut down all lanes in both directions, according to Florida 511 and the Florida Highway Patrol.

The wreck, reported Thursday afternoon, has prompted a large response from several emergency agencies, including Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR).

The incident involves a vehicle and a motorcycle. “One person has been transported as a trauma code,” says MCFR Public Safety Information Officer James Lucas. He explains that means they are in cardiac arrest and adds that CPR is in progress.

Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and find alternate routes as crews work to clear the scene and investigate the cause of the crash.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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