Florida man killed in motorcycle crash in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
From Staff ReportsOriginally published: July 18. 2009 3:01AM
Last modified: July 17. 2009 11:52PM
GATLINBURG — A Florida man was killed Friday when his motorcycle collided head-on with a motor home on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Raymond Joseph Vosika, 73, of Chipley, Fla., was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle northbound on Newfound Gap Road around noon when he lost control, crossed the center line and struck a Chevrolet motor home driven by Wayne Smith, 65, of Westminster, S.C.
The motorcyclist was negotiating a tight right-hand curve when his empty sidecar, located on the bike's right side, apparently lifted off the pavement, dumping the bike onto its left side and into the oncoming lane, according to Park investigators.
Rangers from the Park and Cherokee EMS and Fire and Rescue responded to the accident. Park rangers had to close Newfound Gap Road for more than two hours while they investigated the mishap and cleared the wreckage. The road reopened at about 2:15 p.m.
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