Coroner: Veteran touring military facilities passes away after weather-related motorcycle crash in Columbus
A Florida veteran doing what he loved has passed away after a weather-related motorcycle crash.
The crash on Fort Benning Road near Mathews Street around 3 P.M. on Friday, May 17, 2024. Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan identified the victim as 86-year-old Jerald Simmons, from Pensacola, Florida. Simmons was pronounced dead at 3:38 P.M. in the emergency room of Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Campus.
According to Bryan, it appears as though Simmons’ three-wheel bike hydroplaned during a heavy downpour.
“He was with a group of 75 other veterans that had left their home base in Florida to tour military facilities throughout the country and had been to Ft. Moore Military Museum,” Bryan added. “Even though it is a sad day, he died doing what he loved. Riding his bike with his pals.
Simmons will be transported back to his family in Florida.
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