While it’s exciting to spend money on something that’s a fully functional finished product, there’s something rewarding about putting an item together from scratch, and it’s natural for people to take pride in the things they create.
Samuel Newby likely felt very prideful when he built himself a custom mini bike. Although being able to build a mode of transportation that fits your exact specifications and priorities is neat on paper, there are endless ways the mechanics could go wrong which could be dangerous for you and others on the street.
Sadly, it seems like there may have been some flaws in the build which contributed to Newby’s death while riding his custom bike on the afternoon of October 30.
Newby (46) was riding his mini bike southbound on Dixie Highway in Lake Worth Beach. As he approached 10th Avenue South, his vehicle came in contact with a Ford Fusion driven by Marco Barthelemy. The collision caused Newby’s bike to overturn, and he was flung from his bike.
Newby was taken to Saint Mary’s Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead. Barthelemy had only minor injuries from the collision.
While the investigation remains ongoing, it’s been determined that Newby’s homemade mini bike was not suitable for road use and wasn’t registered.
Early reports indicate that Barthelemy was initially stopped at the intersection then accelerated his car. It’s unclear which vehicle may have veered into the other’s path, causing them to collide.
The loss of anyone’s life is difficult news to come to grips with, and the law firm of Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath expresses our condolences to Newby’s friends and family. Please call us at (561) 655-1990 if you or a loved one is injured in a motor vehicle accident.
