Two motorcyclists died after colliding in a horrific crash Sunday night in Mulberry.
Christopher Bowmer, 23, of Lakeland and Johnathan Walker, 25, of Plant City were riding with a group of motorcyclists around 6:30 p.m. when the group stopped to take a break on Bonnie Mine Road, between State Road 640 and State Road 60.
Some of the motorcyclists continued riding around in the area, including Bowmer and Walker, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Bowmer was traveling south on Bonnie Mine Road when he made a U-turn on his 2008 Kawasaki in front of Walker, who was heading north on a 2007 Suzuki. Walker tried swerve to avoid a crash, but collided with Bowmer's bike, which "disintegrated" upon impact. Walker's motorcycle was sheared off near the fuel tank, and both men were ejected, deputies said.
Bowmer landed about 80 feet away, while Walker was propelled about 110 feet, through through a barbed wire fence and into a field, according to the sheriff's office.
Both men were wearing helmets and were declared dead at the scene.
Deputies are investigating and say excessive speed and other infractions are possible factors.