Eloise, FL – On Sunday, July 27, 2025, at approximately 8:40 p.m., the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a severe crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle at the intersection of Snively Avenue and 5th Street in Eloise.
According to preliminary investigations, a 2001 black Harley Davidson motorcycle, driven by 44-year-old James McKasson of Wahneta, was traveling southbound on Snively Avenue at a high rate of speed. At the same time, a 2017 gray Nissan Sentra, driven by a 17-year-old male, was northbound and attempting to make a left turn onto 5th Street.
A witness, also traveling southbound, reported that the Sentra had sufficient time to make the turn safely. However, the witness noted that the motorcycle was weaving through traffic at an excessive speed, passing them just before the collision. The motorcycle struck the left front of the Sentra, causing the bike to slide south, jump a curb, and come to rest approximately 250 feet from the point of impact. McKasson, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected from the motorcycle and collided with a street sign along the west side of the roadway.
The Sentra remained at the point of impact. The driver of the Sentra, who was wearing a seatbelt, was evaluated by a DUI deputy and showed no signs of impairment. He sustained no injuries, and neither excessive speed nor distracted driving are suspected on his part.
Preliminary speed calculations indicate the motorcycle was traveling between 70 and 80 mph in a 35 mph zone. Further investigation is underway to determine a more precise speed. Authorities have confirmed that McKasson’s driving privileges have been suspended since May 24, 2001, and he only possesses an ID card. Impairment and distracted driving are still under investigation but are not currently confirmed as factors in the crash. Excessive speed by the motorcyclist appears to be a significant contributing factor.
McKasson was transported to a local hospital, where he has undergone multiple surgeries and remains in extremely critical condition.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident and urges anyone with additional information to contact their office.
Source: Polk County Sheriff’s Office
