FORT MYERS, Fla. — A motorcycling enthusiast who applauded the state's new helmet-free law has died as a result of a motorcycle accident in which she wasn't wearing a helmet.
Dorthy Lynette Rushton, 40, smashed her Harley-Davidson early Saturday morning and was thrown more than 50 feet. She died Monday from injuries she suffered in the crash.
Rushton probably would have survived had she been wearing a helmet, said Florida Highway Patrol Cpl. John Schultz. He said alcohol was a factor but the lack of a helmet "greatly" contributed to her injuries.