Driver arrested in crash that killed teenage motorcyclist in Ellenton

ELLENTON, FL – A man is under arrest in the case of a teenage motorcyclist who was fatally struck in Manatee County Sunday night.

WFLA reports 53-year-old David Shanks has been charged with DUI manslaughter following the accident on U.S. 301 in Ellenton. The Florida Highway Patrol said the motorcycle rider, identified as 17-year-old Mikeal Steele, had the right of way when Shanks pulled out in front of him in his Jeep while trying to make a left turn onto 42nd Avenue East.

Steele was thrown from the motorcycle as a result of the collision and died at the scene.  School board officials say he was a junior at Parrish Community High School, where he played on the football and soccer teams.

A makeshift memorial was set up at the scene of the crash and grief counselors visited the school on Monday.

Shanks was taken to the Manatee County Jail and was held without bond.

Any motorcycle wrecks and crashes can be catastrophic because the body of the biker is so much more exposed than any other type of driver on the road. And the risks motorcyclists face are even greater when someone has been driving under the influence.  In the difficult time after a motorcycle accident, the experienced Manatee County Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Kemp Law Group Law Group will be on your side, standing up for your rights and helping you fight for the financial resources you need to heal. Call us at 727-847-4878 , or respond in our online chat box.