JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A man is dead after a motorcycle crash on Merrill Road Sunday afternoon, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
Police said around 2:30 p.m., a man and woman were riding a Harley Davidson Road Glide in the inside eastbound lane on Merrill Road.
A man driving a GMC Sierra was merging from the Interstate 295 northbound exit ramp onto Merrill Road and moved from the right lane to the left lane, striking the motorcycle.
Both riders were thrown from the motorcycle onto the pavement and raised center median, according to police.
The man and woman, both in their early 50s, were taken to the hospital. The man was pronounced dead at the hospital, and the woman is in non-life-threatening condition.
Police said both riders were wearing helmets.
"I don't believe the motorcyclists had any fault," said JSO Traffic Homicide Sergeant Robert Hungerford, noting a full investigation still needs to be completed.
The driver of the GMC remained at the scene and is cooperating with police. The driver showed no sign of impairment after the crash, police said.
The 9000 block of Merrill Road was shut down for hours as detectives conducted a crash investigation.
This crash marks the 88th time a person has died in a crash in Duval County, and the 17th involving a motorcyclist.
Hungerford warned drivers to stay safe on the roadway during the holiday weekend.
"Stop every hundred miles," Hungerford said. "Several hours on the road, your mind wanders and you become less focused."
Hungerford added drivers should go the speed limit and watch their blindspots when changing lanes.
"Slow it down, just drive safe," he said.