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Air Force veteran killed in Punta Gorda crash Thursday

Posted at 7:59 AM, Oct 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-11 08:22:58-04

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. -- Florida Highway Patrol Troopers and first responders paused for a moment of silence on Thursday to honor a veteran killed in a car crash.

U.S. Air Force Veteran Charles Chapman, 76, was killed after a crash at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Seminole Lakes Boulevard in Charlotte County.

According to an FHP report, Chapman was driving eastbound on Seminole Lakes Drive when he traveled across the southbound lanes of US-41 to enter the intersection. Bryon Dawson, 19, was riding a motorcycle southbound on U.S. 41, approaching the intersection.

Troopers say Dawson hit the left side of Chapman's vehicle, which overturned and came to a final rest in the southbound lanes of U.S. 41. Dawson's motorcycle came to a final rest facing north on the southbound left lane of U.S. 41.

Charlotte County fatal 10-10-19.jpg

Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene. Dawson was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital where he remains in critical condition.

The FHP report says the crash is still under investigation, with alcohol results pending for both Chapman and Dawson.