SCFR Public Safety Director James Sommers

LAKE CITY, Fla. — Suwannee County Public Safety Director James Sommers was killed in a motorcycle accident Tuesday night in Lake City.

The accident occurred around 7:50 p.m. at SW Pinemount Road (County Road 252) and U.S. Highway 90, just west of Interstate 10, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Sommers, who was 40 years old, had served with Suwannee County Fire Rescue since 2001 and was named the county’s public safety director in November 2012 after serving as interim fire chief since May 2012.

Sommers was traveling to Lake City when a Ford Expedition attempted to turn left onto SW Pinemount Road causing the front of the motorcycle to run into the side of the car, according to FHP’s report.

Sommers was transported to Lake City Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the accident and charges are pending the investigation.

Bryan Mullin, the 19-year-old driver of the Expedition, nor his passenger were injured in the crash.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Sommers, county public safety director, killed in crash

LAKE CITY — Suwannee County Public Safety Director James Sommers was killed in a motorcycle accident Tuesday night in Lake City.

The accident occurred around 8 p.m. at SW Pinemount Road (County Road 252) and U.S. Highway 90, just west of Interstate 10.

Sommers was headed to his house in Lake City when a car turned in front of him and his motorcycle ran into the side of the car, according to Suwannee County Sheriff Sam St. John.

St. John said there was extensive damage to the motorcycle and Sommers died from his injuries while being transported to Shands Lake Shore Regional Medical Center.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.