A motorcyclist died Monday afternoon in a crash on the southbound U.S. 17 Bypass near the Montford Point ramp, according to the Jacksonville Police Department.
Officers responded at 4:06 p.m. and found 21-year-old Karlos Darden of Jacksonville, who was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.
Authorities said Darden lost control of the motorcycle while attempting to merge across several lanes of traffic, causing it to leave the roadway and strike a guardrail. The motorcycle rolled multiple times, ejecting Darden before coming to a stop at the end of the ramp.
An initial investigation indicates that excessive speed may have been a contributing factor, according to JPD.
Next of kin has been notified, and the JPD expressed condolences for the family during this difficult time.