Bradenton Man Dies After Moped Struck By Pickup

BRADENTON, FL — A 36-year-old Bradenton man died after his moped was struck by a Ford pickup truck late Wednesday.

Ralphie Cornier Moreno was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital following the 11:25 p.m. crash at the intersection of 301 Boulevard East and 9th Street East, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

The driver of the Ford F-150 was identified as 37-year-old Osvin Velasquez Varela of Bradenton, who was charged with leaving the scene with death, driving with a suspended license, failure to yield the right of way and no proof of insurance.

Florida Highway Patrol said the pickup was attempting to make a left turn onto 301 Boulevard East at the time of the crash. The moped was traveling north on 9th Street East.

Cornier Moreno was thrown from the moped. The Ford continued to a business in the 5000 block of 301 Boulevard East, where Velasquez Varela was placed under arrest.

"A Manatee County Sheriff’s deputy followed the debris trail," FHP said.