An off-duty Pinellas County Sheriff's deputy has died as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash in New Port Richey.



Florida Highway Patrol officials confirmed Pinellas Co. Sheriff's deputy Jason Shoulta, 43, was killed in a crash around 12:15 p.m. Friday while riding on a personal motorcycle at County Road 77 (Seven Springs Boulevard) and Perrine Ranch Road.



"It is with regret and deep sympathy that Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri announces the death of Deputy Sheriff Jason Shoulta," a statement from the sheriff's office said.



In a message to all members of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Gualtieri said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Jason's family and friends. There is no sense that can be made of such a tragedy and no words that can make this easier on anyone."



FHP: Deputy tried to avoid car turning in front of him



According to a FHP crash report, Shoulta was operating his 2010 Harley Davidson Street Glider southbound on County Road 77 approaching the intersection with Perrine Ranch Road.



He was assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau. He has served as a bailiff in Court Security and has been a member of the SWAT Team, among other assignments.



According to the Florida Highway Patrol news release, houlta was operating his 2010 Harley Davidson Street Glider southbound on County Road 77 approaching the intersection with Perrine Ranch Road.



A vehicle driven by Taylor Anne Vanderbilt was northbound on County Road 77 when she made a left turn into a gas station at the intersection, entering the path of Shoulta. FHP officials said Shoulta tried to avoid the collision, but struck the right rear of Vanderbilt's vehicle.



Shoulta was critically injured and was rushed to a Bayonet Point Hospital, where the he was pronounced dead at 1:23 p.m.



Rescue workers did not know the victim was a deputy following the crash. FHP investigators later determined the victim was a Pinellas County Sheriff's deputy.



Officials said the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office critical incident teams are assisting the family and colleagues of Shoulta.



Shoulta has been with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office since March 3, 1999.

