Motorcyclist Not Wearing Helmet In Fatal Crash

are investigating two motorcycle crashes within four hours of each other where both riders didn't wear helmets.

At about approximately 2:22 a.m. Saturday, a crash occurred on SouthTamiami Trail near the Waldemere Street intersection.

A motorcycle travelled southbound on US 41 at a high rate of speed, according to police, when it collided into the rear of a white SUV that was also southbound. 

The motorcycle operator died at the scene of the crash and was not wearing a helmet, according to police.

The man was identified as John Zito, 39, of 5000 block of Vinson Way in Sarasota.  

Another crash that occured at 10:18 p.m. Friday involved a motorcycle and a Volkwagen on South Tamiami Trail near Morris Street, according to police.  The motorcycle, a Harley Davidson, was travelling southbound in the center turn-lane when it collided with a Volkswagen that was northbound in the center turn-lane.  

The 69-year-old motorcycle rider, who was not wearing a helmet, was transported by helicopter to the Blake Medical Center, according to police.  He suffered serious injuries that at this time are described as non-life threatening, according to police.

Police are withholding the man's name pending notification of his family. 

Both crashes remain under investigation by the Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit.