Ronnie Pennick Jr., 42, was the driver of the motorcycle that collided with a car driven by June Goonetilleke, 18, Friday night in Cleveland, according to Cleveland police spokeswoman Evie West.
The crash killed Pennick when his motorcycle exploded and separated into two pieces on impact with the car, according to a news release from the Bradley County EMS.
The front of the motorcycle struck another car further down the road. The driver of that car was evaluated by EMS but not transported to the hospital, according to the release.
The crash occurred just before 11 p.m. on 25th Street at the intersection of Old 25th Street, the release said.
Pennick was transported to Sky Ridge Medical Center. Later reports indicated that his injuries were fatal. Goonetilleke was also transported to Sky Ridge Medical Center for evaluation. She has since been released from the hospital.
West said for approximately 30 minutes on Saturday night, 25th Street street was blocked off so investigators could try and recreate the scene. It is unknown at this time who struck who, West said, as the investigation is ongoing.
According to Stan Clark, spokesperson for the Bradley County EMS, this is the eighth roadway fatality in Cleveland and Bradley County this year.
“The only words of advice that I can give is just to try and be extra mindful when driving and try to gauge what other drivers are doing around you,” he said in the release. “Unfortunately, some of these accidents happen so fast that there is no time to react.”