Another traffic death on U.S. 1 Monday night

A passenger on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle died in a crash Monday night in the Lower Keys, becoming the 18th traffic death in the Keys this year and the fifth since July 22.

The Florida Highway Patrol withheld the name of the victim, who was pronounced dead at Lower Keys Medical Center, pending notification of her next of kin.

Troopers said Roger Walden, 55, of Key West was driving the Harley southbound with the woman on the back. It was about 8:25 p.m. near mile marker 15. Mary Bailey, 25, of Key West was driving a Toyota RAV4 behind the motorcycle.

She ran into the back of the bike, troopers said, sending the Harley into the northbound lane. Walden and his passenger ended up in the southbound lane. Bailey continued driving for another half mile before she stopped, troopers said. Charges are pending the outcome of an investigation.

Neither Walden nor his passenger were wearing helmets, troopers said. Walden was flown to Ryder Trauma Center in Miami, where troopers said he was listed in critical condition.

This story was originally published August 2, 2016 at 8:31 AM with the headline "Another traffic death on U.S. 1 Monday night."