Two-motorcycle crash leaves three teenage friends dead

Family of one victim says one of the bikes wasn't street-legal.

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published January 8, 2007

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PALM BAY - Three teenage friends died after two motorcycles collided in a high-speed crash early Saturday.

Shane Alvarez, 19, was driving a Suzuki sport bike with passenger Kassadi Pullins, 16, about 3 a.m. when he rear-ended Ryan Popovich, 19, who was driving a Honda Enduro dirt bike, according to Palm Bay Police.

Popovich struck a mailbox, his motorcycle burst into flames and he was thrown about 35 feet. Alvarez and Pullins skidded several feet and became entangled in their motorcycle, police reports said.

The two men died instantly and Pullins died later at a hospital, Florida Today reported Sunday.

It is not clear whether the teens were wearing helmets, although one helmet was found near the crash site.

The victims had been at Pullins' house celebrating her birthday, which would have been today.

Pullins' family told Florida Today that the dirt bike, which did not have taillights, was not legal for street use and was supposed to be used only in their back yard.

Authorities are investigating.