A late night ride through Punta Gorda ended in tragedy and heartbreak. One man is dead and another is fighting to recover after a motorcycle crashed violently along the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway late Sunday night. Police say the bike was heading north near the area known as the “Dollar Sign” when it suddenly lost control, veered off the road, and slammed into a tree. When officers arrived, they found both the rider and his passenger sprawled on the highway with serious head injuries. The men were later identified as Brenton Cofius, who died from his injuries, and Carl Mangar, who remains hospitalized. Investigators have impounded the motorcycle and are working to determine what caused the crash, as family members and residents search for answers.
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“Police are investigating a road traffic accident which led to the death of twenty-four-year-old Brenton Cofius of Forest Home Village and the injury of thirty-year-old Carl Mangar of Elridgeville. The investigation commenced on Sunday, April nineteenth, at around 10:23 p.m. when Punta Gorda police were advised of an accident near the Dollar Sign monument at the entrance of Punta Gorda. The officers responded and upon their arrival, they observed the two injured male persons and a damaged motorcycle. What the investigation has thus far indicated is that both Mangar and Cofius were travelling on the motorcycle, Cofius being the driver, when, upon reaching that area he lost control and collided into a tree. Both persons were ruched to the hospital for medical attention, however, Cofius succumbed to the injuries that he sustained.”
Reporter
“Have you all been able to confirm if police were pursuing these individuals?
Stacy Smith
“I had specifically place that inquiry to the southern commander and he informed me that they have no information suggesting that so far.”
Authorities are once again urging motorists, especially motorcyclists, to exercise caution on the road, particularly at night.
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