PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTH BRUNSWICK POLICE South Brunswick police Sgt. Joe Charmello and Patrolman Dale Owens investigate the fatal motorcycle accident on Chris Court last week.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Johnny Fernandez, 28, of Perth Amboy was killed last week while showing co-workers his new motorcycle during lunch.
According to police, Fernandez was taking his noon lunch break from Richmond Industries on Chris Court.
He had gone into the parking lot of the business to show other employees his 1998 Suzuki GSXR600 motorcycle, according to Detective Jim Ryan.
"We are not sure exactly when he purchased the motorcycle; he had just purchased the bike in the last few weeks," Ryan said. "The motorcycle still had temporary plates on it."
Witnesses told police that Fernandez exited the parking lot and headed north on Chris Court shortly before the accident.
Less than 100 feet from the parking lot, Fernandez lost control of the motorcycle and struck the curb. The motorcycle slid another 130 feet on the curb and grass before striking a tree, police said.
Fernandez was thrown off the motorcycle and onto the roadway. He was not wearing a helmet and suffered massive head injuries, according to police.
Paramedics pronounced Fernandez dead at the scene.
Things may not have been so bad if Fernandez had worn a helmet, said Detective Ryan.
"He may not have sustained such severe head injuries if he had worn a helmet," Ryan said.
Ryan also said he believes Fernandez’s lack of experience on a motorcycle may have contributed to the accident.
"He was not driving at an excessive speed," Ryan said. "The driver was inexperienced as far as the inner workings of a motorcycle. That lack of knowledge may have been the reason he lost control."