Family, Friends Mourn Death Of Plant High Student Following Crash

TAMPA, FL — A service is planned Saturday for a popular Plant High School student who died Friday when his motorcycle collided with a car on Bay to Bay Boulevard.

Tampa police said Benjamin William Francis, who celebrated his 17th birthday the day before, was riding his motorcycle with a 15-year-old girl, who also attended Plant High, on the back at 12:55 p.m. when he struck the side of a Kia Sorento.

The Sorento was traveling north on Lois Avenue and stopped at the stop sign at Bay to Bay Boulevard before proceeding. Police said the driver did not see the motorcycle approaching at a high speed.

Francis, a junior at Plant High School, was killed. His passenger was taken to Tampa General Hospital with severe injuries. The driver of the SUV was also hospitalized.

Francis was a motorcycle enthusiast but, according to his family, loved anything mechanical — boats, planes and radio-controlled cars. He also enjoyed using his 3D printer to create functional art and unique gifts.

He enjoyed skiing, snorkeling, playing baseball, playing the piano, motocross racing and traveling to Europe. He spoke fluent German.

On Saturday, friends from Plant High School gathered for a vigil in his honor.

Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Iris and Chris Rodgers, his father, Gary Francis and his fiancé, Beatrice Fritsche, grandparents, Josef and Margit Kraft and Terry Francis along with his aunts and cousins.

Segal Funeral Home, 3909 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.