Motorcycle driver struck, killed

The 24-year-old had just turned his life around, a former in-law says.

By ABBIE VANSICKLE, Times Staff Writer
Published November 29, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT Jeffrey D. Freson, 42, was charged with DUI manslaughter. Troopers say he didn't have his lights on.

TAMPA - Joshua G. Motsinger had a bumpy ride to adulthood that included a stint in prison.

But after serving time for drug trafficking, the 24-year-old had changed his life, seeking help for his drug problem from Narcotics Anonymous.

That's according to Rebecca Gravel, 52, a former in-law.

"This boy just turned his life around," Gravel said. "He was really headed somewhere. He was up against a lot of odds."

He was on his way home from a Narcotics Anonymous meeting Tuesday night when a drunken driver hit Motsinger's motorcycle at a Brandon intersection, troopers say.

Motsinger, 10008 Prevatt St., Gibsonton, was taken to Tampa General Hospital, where he died, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

An autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday. Gravel said funeral arrangements had not been finalized.

Troopers say a truck driven by Jeffrey D. Freson, 42, of Deltona, was headed east on State Road 60 at 9:44 p.m. He was in the left turn lane at Providence Road.

Motsinger's motorcycle was headed west on SR 60.

The light was green.

Freson violated Motsinger's right of way, making a U-turn and striking the motorcycle, troopers say. The truck's headlights were not on, according to an arrest report.

Troopers noted that Freson's eyes were blood-shot and glassy and that he smelled of alcohol, according to an arrest report. Freson was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence manslaughter, records show.

On jail records, he listed his employer as Baker Concrete of Orlando.

His blood alcohol was 0.07 percent, jail records show. Under state law, a driver is presumed impaired with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher, but drivers with lower levels may be charged if an officer observes indications of impaired driving.

No one returned phone calls to Freson's home and cell phone.

Freson's mother-in-law, Katy Tiger of Kentucky, said she was aware of the arrest but that she knew few details.

His driving record shows a 2005 conviction in Ohio for driving under the influence.

Motsinger, too, had citations, including one for speeding, records show.

Times researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report. Abbie VanSickle can be reached at vansickle@sptimes.com or 813-226-3373.

[Last modified November 29, 2007, 02:37:07]