Biker in wreck, Good Samaritan killed

A motorcyclist injured in a hit-and-run and a person who stopped to assist them were killed when a second car crossed the median and hit them both near the Orlando Sanford International Airport Monday afternoon, according to the Sanford Police Department.

The agency received a call reporting a crash at the intersection of Summerlin Avenue and State Road 46, near the Wynwood neighborhood and the airport, just before 1 p.m., according to an agency spokeswoman.

Police learned the crash involved a motorcyclist and a vehicle that fled the scene after the accident, she said.

When a “Good Samaritan” on foot stopped to help the injured motorcyclist, a car driving westbound crossed the median and hit the person and the motorcyclist, killing both. The second car fled the scene into airport property, where the driver was met by police officers who took them into custody, according to the agency.

Police are still investigating the first crash and are working to identify the car involved. The agency has not released the names of the victims, as they are still contacting their families.

“In a few short minutes two people’s lives were tragically taken,” Sanford police Cecil Smith. “For a goodhearted individual, who was doing the right thing and helping a person desperately in need, to have been struck down in such a horrific way is heartbreaking. Someone saw what occurred. I encourage them to do as this Good Samaritan would have done and come forward for both of these victims and their families.”

An agency spokeswoman said the crash created a “pretty extensive scene” spanning three-quarters of a mile. The crash closed a nearly mile-long section of State Road 46 between Mellonville Avenue and Brisson Avenue for several hours Monday afternoon, the agency said.

Anyone with information on the accident is asked to call the Sanford Police Department at 407-688-5070.