Fort Pierce — A quiet mid‑afternoon on Tuesday turned tragic when 20‑year‑old Michael Jacquin died in a collision with a car on U.S. 1 near Avenue M, according to police and local reports. The crash happened just after 3:15 p.m. on February 3, closing the busy north‑south road for hours as investigators worked the scene.
Jacquin was riding a 2025 Kawasaki motorcycle southbound on U.S. 1 when a 76‑year‑old woman driving a 2009 Ford Taurus tried to turn left onto Avenue M from the northbound lanes. Police said there is no traffic signal at that intersection, and the vehicles collided in the turning lane.
Fort Pierce Police Maj. Michael Santiago said Jacquin was wearing a helmet when the crash happened. Despite protective gear, he suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman behind the wheel of the Taurus was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries that have not been publicly detailed.
Witnesses and drivers caught in the afternoon traffic spill described a chaotic scene as first responders arrived. Both northbound and southbound lanes of U.S. 1 were shut down from Avenue M to Avenue H, reopening shortly before 6:15 p.m. after the roadway was cleared.
The intersection at Avenue M sits in northern Fort Pierce, part of St. Lucie County’s bustling transport network. U.S. 1 is a major corridor linking homes, shops, industries, and commuter traffic. It’s also a stretch known for heavy traffic with few traffic signals, especially in mid‑day hours, which has contributed to crashes in the past.
Local traffic safety advocates point out that motorcycles remain vulnerable on such corridors. Even with helmets and protective gear, riders have minimal protection compared to cars. Florida law does require riders to wear helmets, and authorities noted Jacquin complied with that rule.
Fort Pierce police say the crash remains under investigation. Traffic reconstruction teams are reviewing vehicle positions, roadway conditions, and sightlines at the intersection to determine what factors played a role. No charges or citations have been announced. Police are urging drivers to be cautious around intersections without traffic signals and remain alert for motorcycles and other smaller vehicles on the road.
This incident marks a somber moment for the Fort Pierce community, where residents are reminded of how quickly an ordinary drive can turn deadly. Officials encourage anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact the Fort Pierce Police Department’s Traffic Unit.
