NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL — Bruce Rossmeyer, owner of the New Smyrna Beach Harley-Davidson dealership, died Thursday morning in a motorcycle accident in Wyoming while en route to the Sturgis motorcycle rally. He was 66.
According to Wyoming state police, the incident occurred at approximately 11 a.m. when Rossmeyer attempted to pass a Ford pickup truck pulling a two-axle camper trailer that was turning left. The driver of the truck, Robert L. VanValkenburg, 73, of Rock Springs, had activated his turn signal and slowed down to make the turn.
Rossmeyer, who was not wearing a helmet, was thrown from his motorcycle and was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was discovered under the trailer, police reported.
Emergency responders from local agencies were dispatched to the scene, and authorities are conducting an investigation into the accident. No other injuries were reported.
Rossmeyer was riding with friends on Highway 28 in Sweetwater County when the accident occurred. His wife, Sandy, and two of their children were reportedly waiting for him in Sturgis at the time of the incident.
Community leaders reacted with sadness following the news of Rossmeyer’s death. New Smyrna Beach Mayor Sally Mackay called his loss a significant blow to the local economy, while former Mayor James Vandergrifft described him as a “prominent figure who will be missed.”
Rossmeyer, recognized as one of the largest Harley-Davidson dealers in the country, was involved in multiple charitable initiatives in the Daytona Beach area. He was also an inductee into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame.