COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — A veteran deputy with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and a Boynton Beach woman were killed after their motorcycle was involved in a crash with a pickup truck Sunday in Southwest Florida near the Big Cypress National Preserve.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 2018 Dodge Ram National Park Service law enforcement vehicle was hauling a trailer eastbound on U.S. 41 approaching Burns Road in Collier County just before 1:30 p.m.
At the same time, off-duty PBSO Deputy Hubert Burey, 42, of West Palm Beach, was riding a 2006 Harley Davidson FXSTSI with one passenger, identified as Jamie Lynn French, 38, Boynton Beach, westbound on U.S. 41.
A Honda VTX 1300 motorcycle driven by 40-year-old man from Miami was also heading westbound as well.
FHP said the Dodge Ram turned left in front of both motorcycles, violating the right of way.
As a result, the front of Burey’s motorcycle struck the Ram on the right side.
Both Burey and French were thrown from the bike and hit the side of the Ram.
Burey came to a final rest in the westbound lane of U.S. 41.
French came to a final rest in the eastbound lane of U.S. 41 and was struck by the undercarriage of the Honda motorcycle as it attempted to avoid the Ram.
The FHP report said both Burey and French were wearing helmets at the time of the wreck.
Neither the driver of the Honda or the Ram were injured.
No charges have been filed, but the FHP said the crash remains under investigation.
PBSO said Burey had been a deputy with the department since March 2004.
According to PBSO spokeswoman Teri Barbera, Burey was assigned to their Motor Unit, a group of deputies who enforce traffic laws on major county and state roads. The deputies in the motor unit often lead motorcades for special events, funerals and parades.
Burey was also part of PBSO's Commercial Vehicle unit, designed to spot unsafe commercials vehicles on the road.
Burey leaves behind two sons, ages 15 and 5.
Funeral arrangements are forth coming, said PBSO.
