CRESTVIEW -- A Crestview man died Monday evening when his motorcycle struck the side of a vehicle that turned in front of him on State Road 85.
Mark W. Lachapelle was traveling north on 85 around 10:30 p.m. when a 2003 Dodge pickup driven by Juanita D. Young of Crestview turned in front of him to enter Little Silver Road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol's report.
Lachapelle's 2006 Harley Davidson struck the front ride side of the truck.
Bystanders performed CPR on him until rescue crews arrived on scene. He was taken to North Okaloosa Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Young, who is 48, received minor injuries and was also taken to North Okaloosa Medical Center.
Lachapelle, who was 46, leaves a wife, stepdaughter and granddaughter.
Friends say he was driving home from his job as a civilian guard with the 96th Security Forces Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base when the accident occurred.
He had retired from active duty service several years ago. He had been a flight line crew chief with the 33rd Fighter Wing.
"He was a great mentor," said his friend and former co-worker Jim Suarez. "Everything that he did, he achieved quickly."
Suarez said that family came first for Lachapelle and that he was very proud to become a grandfather.
"He was very well-loved," Suarez said. "A great leader. Everybody looked up to him."
Lachapelle and three of his friends - including Suarez -- had started riding motorcycles at the same time.
Lachapelle was focused on following the rules in everything he did and always wore his helmet, Suarez said.
He was wearing it at the time of the accident, according to the FHP report.
The accident happened around the time of the shift change at the nearby prison. Guards were among the first to arrive on scene and attempt to help Lachapelle.
His Harley Davidson was heavily damaged in the accident. There was also damage to the front passenger side of the truck.
Northbound traffic was shut down for about 45 minutes.
Alcohol was not a factor in the crash, according to the report. Charges are pending.
Please send your thought and prayers out to Mark's family and friends, he will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him.
Thanks,
Mac