An off-duty Tampa Police officer was killed and his wife seriously injured Saturday in a crash in Riverview involving a motorcycle colliding with an SUV.

  • Officer Howard Gimbel was killed and his wife, Tonya, injured in crash
  • Crash happened at intersection of Big Bend Road and Clement Pride Boulevard
  • GoFundMe account set up to help with Gimbel's daughter's college

Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies say the crash took place near Big Bend Road and Clement Pride Boulevard.

According to deputies, Lisa Allen, 46, was stopped at the intersection of Big Bend Road waiting for traffic to clear. When she entered the intersection, she failed to observe a motorcycle that was traveling east. Her SUV hit the motorcycle, forcing the bike off the roadway.

The driver of the motorcycle, off-duty Tampa Police officer Howard Gimbel, 53, and his passenger Tonya Gimbel, 52, were ejected. Howard Gimbel was transported after the crash to St. Joseph's South, where he later died. 

Tonya Gimbel was transported to Tampa General Hospital with serious injuries. She is expected to recover.

Allen was not injured in the crash. The Sheriff's Office said charges are pending in the crash.

Colleagues mourning Gimbel's death

Corp. Greg Weekes started his career in 1996 -- the same time Gimbel joined the force. Colleagues, including Weekes, describe Gimbel as a bulldog and a loyal friend.

"He was the guy you would call at 2 o'clock in the morning, and he would be there for you," Weekes said.

"We're hurting," he continued, "but we (still) have a job to do."

The Tampa Police Department issued the following statement in regards to the loss of Officer Gimbel:

"The Tampa Police Department is in mourning after learning that Officer Howard Gimbel has died from injuries sustained in an off-duty motorcycle crash earlier today. Officer Gimbel, who has been with TPD for 20 years, served on the Department's motorcycle unit...

"Officer Gimbel's wife, Tonya, also was involved in the crash. She was taken to a local hospital where she is listed in stable condition.

 "This is a tragic day for our Department and for our city. Everyone is feeling the loss," said TPD Chief Eric Ward, who rushed to the hospital upon learning of the traffic crash. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gimbel family. I want them to know they will always be a part of the Tampa Police Department family."

Weekes set up a GoFundMe account to raise money to help pay for college for the couple's daughter, Sarah, who has been accepted to the University of South Florida.

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