A New River Marine was killed this weekend after losing control of his motorcycle while doing a burnout, according to Highway Patrol reports.
Lance Cpl. Loron “Boogz” Joshua Melton, 24, of Jacksonville, was attempting a burnout on his 2004 Honda sport motorcycle in the parking area of Coastal Plains Raceway Park Saturday when he lost control of his vehicle, authorities said Monday.
After taking his motorcycle engine to around 7,000-10,000 revolutions per minute, he lost control of his bike and was propelled forward. Melton laid his motorcycle down on its left side before crashing into three parked cars and sliding underneath one of the vehicles.
Melton was reported as wearing a motorcycle helmet at the time of the collision.
Highway Patrolman David Oglesby said that while they are not sure if Melton’s slide was intentional, laying a motorcycle on its side after losing control is a maneuver that is taught during general motorcycle training.
Melton was taken to Onslow Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 6:55 p.m.
No one else was involved in the wreck and the cause of death is cited as due to reckless driving, said Oglesby.
A representative from New River Air Station said Melton was scheduled for promotion May 1 to corporal.
Originally from Newburgh, N.Y., Melton was a member of Pure Platinum Motorcycle Club in Jacksonville and was known by the nickname “Boogz”. He was honored within the organization by receiving his “platinum wings” following his death, according to obituary information submitted to The Daily News.
He leaves behind his wife, Shcquaaya Melton, daughter, Aminah, and seven brothers and sisters. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday at Saunders Funeral Home.
A toxicology report is pending.
It is not currently known if alcohol was a factor.
