Motorcycle rider charged with DUI manslaughter in crash that killed grandmother in The Villages

A man has been arrested on charges of DUI manslaughter and DUI with property damage in connection with a fatal crash late last year.

Gerald Antonio Palomba, 56, of Belleview, told a Star-Banner reporter that he was hospitalized for nearly a year after the crash.

Florida Highway Patrol officials said the crash happened along County Road 42 and Belle Meade Circle in The Villages.

Troopers said Palomba was riding a motorcycle eastbound on CR 42. Lisa Marie Kyler, with her granddaughter as a passenger, was driving a Chevy van northbound on Belle Meade.

Authorities said the Chevy stopped at a red light. When the light changed to green, other vehicles that were in front of the van moved. The Chevy eventually made its way past the light, which was still green, but the motorcycle ran the red light and collided with the van, officials said.

The impact was so hard, troopers said, the Chevy overturned.

Kyler and her then-8-year-old granddaughter were transported to UF Health Spanish Plaines Hospital in The Villages. Kyler died there. The girl was not seriously injured, authorities said. Kyler was 56.

FHP officials said Kyler was on her way to drop off her granddaughter at the girl's home.

Officials said the crash was captured on video.

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Traffic Homicide Investigator Justin Bard investigated the crash during Palomba's lengthy hospital stay. The trooper got information that Palomba was intoxicated at the time of the crash.

At the conclusion of the investigation, a warrant was issued for Palomba's arrest.

At his first appearance hearing on Thursday, Palomba asked for and received a public defender to represent him.

Assistant State Attorney Tucker O'Neill told the judge Palomba has convictions for DUI and breach of peace. O'Neill and Assistant Public Defender Sarah Gazulli were at first appearance.

The judge told Palomba that, based on the severity of the crime, his criminal past and a need to protect the community, bail would be set at $71,000. If released from jail, Palomba cannot drive, drink alcohol or take drugs without a prescription. His next court date is Oct. 29.

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Motorcycle rider charged with DUI manslaughter in crash that killed grandmother in The Villages