A motorcyclist died Monday afternoon following a crash on the southbound U.S. 17 Bypass near the Montford Point ramp, according to the Jacksonville Police Department.
Officers responded to the scene at 4:06 p.m. and identified the motorcyclist as 21-year-old Karlos Darden of Jacksonville. Emergency medical personnel pronounced Darden dead at the scene.
Investigators reported that Darden was merging across several lanes of traffic when he lost control, causing the motorcycle to leave the roadway and strike a guardrail. The motorcycle then rolled multiple times, ejecting Darden before ending up at the bottom of the ramp, according to JPD.
Authorities stated that excessive speed appears to be a contributing factor in the crash.
Next of kin have been notified, and the Jacksonville Police Department extended their condolences to the family.