LAKE CITY, Fla. – A man died Saturday after losing control of his motorcycle while riding in the Poker Run charity event.
Officials said Charles Ervin Holt, 63, of Live Oak, was riding north on State Road 47 near Southwest Bascom Norris Drive around 11:30 p.m. when the crash happened.
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Lake City police responded to the scene of the crash, where they found Holt seriously injured. He was flown to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, where he later died from his injuries.
One witness told police it appeared that Holt was distracted and locked up on his brakes when he saw the group in front of him slowing down.
Police said evidence at the scene indicated Holt's motorcycle slid for a short distance before losing control, causing the motorcycle to lean to one side, making the right foot peg hit the pavement, which caused Holt to be ejected.
Officials said Holt was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and they later discovered that he did not have the proper driver's license to operate a motorcycle in the state of Florida.
"Our hearts go out to Mr. Holt's family and his fellow riders that day," said Police Chief Argatha Gilmore. "It was a sad turn of events for those out riding for a cause greater than themselves."
Investigators confirmed none of the riders in the group contributed to Holt's crash.