Shena Carty, a Jamaican widely known for her charity work and community advocacy, has died following a motorcycle crash in Winter Haven, Florida, on Sunday.
Carty, 47, was killed in a two-vehicle collision along U.S. Highway 17 near Avenue O Southwest at about 4:10 p.m., according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities reported that a 2013 Mercedes traveling south on U.S. 17 attempted to turn left onto Avenue O Southwest and entered the path of Carty’s northbound 2006 Suzuki motorcycle. Witness statements cited by U.S.-based media outlet Tampa Bay 8 also indicated that the vehicle turned into the motorcycle’s path, leading to the crash.
Carty was thrown from the motorcycle and first responders found her unresponsive with significant injuries. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Investigators said she was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
The driver of the Mercedes, whose identity has not been released, was taken to hospital with minor, non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation remains ongoing.
Carty, who emigrated to the United States from Hanover, Jamaica, was an experienced motorcyclist and frequently shared videos and photos of her rides on social media. In one of her most recent Facebook posts in February, she shared a throwback photo of her 2007 ZX10R motorcycle, reflecting on her long history with bikes.
“This was my second bike… I ain’t new to this,” she wrote, noting she had owned a 600 Ninja for two years prior.
Her death triggered an outpouring of condolences on social media, with friends and supporters remembering her generosity and dedication to helping others.
Carty was the founder of the Facebook group “Jamaican Madhouse,” which she used as a platform to raise funds and coordinate assistance for Jamaicans in need. In a 2017 interview, she said her life was dedicated to helping others. Through her efforts, she supported critically ill individuals and organized feeding initiatives that benefited hundreds.
Authorities noted that the crash was the second fatal motorcycle incident in Polk County during the weekend. A 37-year-old man also died on March 21 in Haines City while attempting to pass a line of vehicles on Polk City Road.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Carty’s death.
