Lutz Woman Killed in Motorcycle Crash

A 40-year-old Lutz woman is dead following a three-vehicle accident on Bearss Avenue Sunday.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the crash that occurred around 2 p.m. at Zambito Road also left two people injured.

Deputies say a 2004 Lexus driven by Kirk Francis, 30, of Lutz was attempting to make a left turn from Bearss onto Zambito. When he did, he crossed into the path of a westbound 2011 Toyota Corolla, driven by Miguel Montaldo, 50, of Tampa. The Corolla struck the Lexus on the passenger side, an email from the sheriff’s office said.

“Both vehicles then spun after impact and the 2010 Kawasaki motorcycle, which was also westbound behind the Toyota, struck the Toyota in the side,” the email said.

The motorcycle’s passenger, Dawn Nichols, was thrown over the car and died at the scene. Its driver, Jeffrey Nichols, 47, also suffered what are being described as “incapacitating injuries,” the agency noted.

Francis suffered no injures in the crash. Montaldo suffered minor injuries. The drivers of both vehicles were wearing seat belts, deputies noted. Jeffrey and Dawn Nichols were not wearing helmets, the email said.

No charges have been filed at this time pending the outcome of a complete investigation, the agency said.

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