FORT PIERCE, FL (THECOUNT) — Authorities have identified the motorcycle rider who died in a two-vehicle crash on Feb. 3 as Michael Jacquin, 20, of Fort Pierce. The crash involved a 76-year-old female driver of a 2009 Ford Taurus, whose identity has not been released, officials said. The collision occurred on U.S. 1 at Avenue M, north of downtown Fort Pierce, around 3:15 p.m., according to Fort Pierce Police.
Police Maj. Michael Santiago said Jacquin was operating a 2025 Kawasaki motorcycle southbound on U.S. 1 when the Taurus, traveling north, attempted a left turn onto Avenue M. There is no traffic signal at the intersection, and preliminary reports indicate that the vehicles collided during the turning maneuver.
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Jacquin, who was wearing a helmet at the time, was pronounced dead at the scene. The female driver was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment; the extent of her injuries has not been disclosed. Emergency responders closed U.S. 1 between Avenue M and Avenue H shortly after the crash, reopening the road later in the evening after the scene was cleared.
The intersection of U.S. 1 and Avenue M is located in northern Fort Pierce, part of St. Lucie County, which has an estimated population of over 330,000 residents. U.S. 1 is a major north-south corridor through the city, linking residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and industrial zones. Because it is heavily traveled and has few traffic signals in some sections, the road has been the site of numerous accidents over the years, particularly involving motorcycles and turning vehicles.
Florida law requires all motorcycle operators to wear helmets unless specifically exempted; Jacquin was in compliance with this requirement. Despite helmet use, the speed and force of the collision resulted in fatal injuries. Motorcycles are considered high-risk vehicles in traffic safety studies, as they offer less protection to riders compared to passenger vehicles. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) data, St. Lucie County has averaged over 30 motorcycle-related injuries or fatalities annually in recent years.
Fort Pierce Police Major Santiago said the crash remains under investigation to determine all contributing factors, including the speed of both vehicles and any potential mechanical issues. No citations or charges have been announced at this time. Traffic reconstruction teams are examining the scene, vehicle positions, and roadway conditions, including pavement markings and visibility at the intersection.
Local authorities emphasized the importance of cautious driving, particularly around intersections without signals, and urged all drivers to remain vigilant for motorcycles and other smaller vehicles sharing the roadway. Residents in the area noted that U.S. 1 experiences high traffic volume during mid-afternoon hours, coinciding with school dismissals and local business traffic.
Jacquin’s death marks the second traffic fatality reported in Fort Pierce so far this year and the first involving a motorcycle. Police encourage anyone with information about the crash to contact the Fort Pierce Police Department’s Traffic Unit at (772) 467-3100.
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