Published: July 06, 2009 07:20 am      

WELLBORN MAN KILLED IN MARION CO. MOTORCYCLE CRASH

A Wellborn man died Sunday when a car turned into the path of his motorcycle on SR 40 in Ocala. Thomas W. Akridge, 49, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Florida Highway Patrol reports. His passenger, Wendy Coulter-Braden, 49, of Homosassa, suffered critical injuries and was lifeflighted to Shands UF. The driver of the other vehicle, Victor A. Nevola, 74, of Ocala, was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter, FHP said. He suffered minor injuries.

Akridge was westbound on SR 40 at about 6:50 p.m. when Nevola, eastbound on SR 40, turned left in front of Akridge’s 2003 Harley Davidson, according to FHP. Akridge attempted evasive action but the motorcycle struck the front of Nevola’s 2005 Hyundai, reports show.