PONTE VEDRA, Fla. – Three children are without their dad on Father’s Day.
Neil Phelps, 44, of Neptune Beach, Florida died Saturday after his motorcycle crashed into an SUV on State Road A1A, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
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Phelps was riding his Harley Davidson north on State Road A1A about 3:52 p.m., when Kelly Saltman, 30, who was traveling south, tried to make a left turn, causing Phelps to crash into her SUV, troopers said.
Phelps’ neighbor and friend from high school, Tracey Warren, told News4Jax that she’s shocked.
“I remember Neil from Fletcher High School and it’s just terrible to hear what happened. A friend of mine texted (me) last night late saying, ‘Oh my God, did you hear about Neil?’” Warren said. “I haven’t seen him in a long time, then went on Facebook and saw all of his friends. They couldn’t believe it because he is such a good guy and a great dad.”
Phelps was flown to UF Health Jacksonville, where he died, troopers said.
A friend of Phelps said he was very involved in Church of Eleven 22.
“Neil was a great person. (He) found God and has been very devoted and giving to others,” the friend said. “His girls were very special to him. I hope you will shed light on the dangers of that area. There used to be a few homes and now there are many and not enough room to navigate that road.”
Saltman and the two children in her SUV were uninjured in the crash, troopers said.
Click here to donate to the GoFundMe account set up for Phelps' daughters.