Full Notification

Pinellas Park Police Department

Media Release

Report Number: 2010-14859

June 11th, 2010

Fatality Crash Involving a Motorcycle

At approximately 6:15 a.m., Pinellas Park Police and Fire Rescue personnel responded to a vehicle crash involving a motorcycle at the intersection of US 19 and Gateway Center Blvd.

A preliminary investigation has determined that two motorcycles were travelling at a high rate of speed northbound on US 19. A 2001 Chrysler 2 door vehicle operated by Sharon Cibrone, age 57 of Pinellas Park was southbound on US 19 when she attempted to make a left turn onto eastbound Gateway Center Blvd. Her vehicle was struck by one of the northbound motorcycles. The motorcycle, a 2008 Kawasaki was operated by Thomas Hofbauer, age 37, of Clearwater. Mr. Hofbauer is not believed to have been wearing a helmet.

Hofbauer was transported to Bayfront Medical Center and was pronounced deceased at 8:25 a.m. Cibrone was also injured and was transported to a local hospital with what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries.

Northbound lanes of US 19 were closed for several hours as officers investigated the crash. The roadway reopened shortly after 10:00 a.m. this morning.

This crash is still under investigation. Next of kin has been notified. Speed appears to be a contributing factor in this crash.

Further press inquires can be directed to:

Sgt. Brian Unmisig
Public Information Officer
727-541-0785