Motorcyclist Identified in Countryway Crash

The driver of the motorcycle involved in last night’s accident on Countryway Boulevard remains in critical condition at St. Joseph’s Hospital, officials from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office say.

According to Detective Larry McKinnon, John P. Palaez, 26, was driving a 2003 Ducati motorcycle northbound on Countryway around 6 p.m. when he was struck by a 2012 Hyundai, driven by Michael A. Conlon, 18.

Conlon was attempting to make a left turn from Oaksbury Drive onto Countryway when the accident occurred, McKinnon wrote in an email. Palaez’s motorcycle struck the left side of the Hyundai causing life-threatening injuries.

Palaez was taken by MedEvac to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he remains in critical condition today, April 14.

A portion of Countryway Boulevard was closed last night following the crash.

Information on charges was not immediately available.