Late Wednesday night on Military Trail in West Palm Beach, 29-year-old Dayan Rodriguez of Lake Worth was killed in a hit-and-run crash that has shaken the local community. Rodriguez, riding his motorcycle just before 9:30 p.m. at the busy intersection of Military Trail and Canal 10 Road, was struck when another vehicle made an apparent U-turn into his path, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Rodriguez was heading southbound on his 2003 Kawasaki motorcycle in the outside lane when deputies say a vehicle coming from the north attempted to turn across the road and collide with him. The front of Rodriguez’s bike hit the passenger side of that vehicle, and the force of the impact threw him from his motorcycle.
Emergency crews arrived quickly and rushed Rodriguez to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach. He was listed in critical condition, but succumbed to his injuries early Thursday morning. His death was officially pronounced at 5:53 a.m., leaving friends, family and neighbors grappling with the sudden loss.
The driver of the other vehicle sped off immediately after the crash, heading south on Military Trail, leaving Rodriguez alone at the scene. Deputies from the sheriff’s office have not released any description of the fleeing vehicle or driver, and investigators continue to piece together what happened.
Law enforcement has called this a hit-and-run investigation, led by PBSO Investigator J. Frey. So far no arrests have been made and no suspects have been publicly identified. Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has dashcam or surveillance footage in that area around 9:30 p.m. to come forward.
For people who knew Rodriguez, the news has been a blow. He was just 29 and out riding on a night that started like any other. In a community where many share the road with motorcycles daily, the dangers of high speed, poor visibility and unexpected turns at intersections have once again come into stark focus.
Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputies continue to urge drivers on Military Trail and throughout the county to stay alert, use proper lighting after dark and to look out for motorcyclists. As the investigation unfolds, officials hope answers will come and justice will follow for Rodriguez’s family.
