Off-Duty BSO Deputy Dies in New Year's Day Motorcycle Crash

Broward Sheriff's Deputy John Blackwelder died in a motorcycle crash shortly after noon on New Year's Day, according to the BSO.The sheriff's office says Blackwelder, 45, was riding his 2010 Honda motorcycle west on East Commercial Boulevard when a 75-year-old woman driving a four-door Cadillac made a left turn into...

By Matthew Hendley

January 2, 2012

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Broward Sheriff's Deputy John Blackwelder died in a motorcycle crash shortly after noon on New Year's Day, according to the BSO.

The sheriff's office says Blackwelder, 45, was riding his 2010 Honda motorcycle west on East Commercial Boulevard when a 75-year-old woman driving a four-door Cadillac made a left turn into his path at NE Third Avenue.

Blackwelder ran into the Cadillac's rear passenger door, according to the sheriff's office.

Oakland Park Fire Rescue paramedics arrived within minutes of the crash and pronounced Blackwelder dead at the scene.

Blackwelder was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, according to the sheriff's office.

Blackwelder was an employee of the BSO from August 2000 to July 2007 and was rehired on January 19, 2010.

He leaves behind two children.

The sheriff's office says it's still investigating the crash.

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