JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 41-year-old woman was killed early Wednesday morning when the motorcycle she was riding crashed into a Firehouse Subs restaurant in Sans Souci, Jacksonville police said.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Grace Jimenez lost control when she hit a curb just after 3 a.m. as she turned too wide from University Boulevard South onto Terry Road.
Police said her motorcycle hit a low concrete wall, a steel pole and then smashed into the Firehouse Subs.
A driver who witnessed the crash between the buildings called 911 and waited at the scene to give police information.
PHOTOS: Motorcycle crashes into Firehouse Subs
Jimenez was wearing a helmet, police said. She died at the scene.
A woman who said she was a friend of Jimenez told News4Jax the 41-year-old was a devoted and loving mother of three who touched everyone she met.
"She was so friendly. She had a beautiful smile. She was warm and welcoming," said the woman named Elaine, who did not wish to share her last name. "She was a really nice person and our hearts go out to her family -- the kids and again, the bikers. Just be safe out there."
The owner of Trophies Sports Bar and Lounge on Philips Highway, who said he was friends with Jimenez, was at his lounge Tuesday evening for Bike Night, which was hosted by her Click Tight biker family. He said she left about 2 a.m, shortly before she crashed.
Jimenez's friends said she biked across the country during her free time.
"I was, like, 'Man, you're a strong powerful woman driving through the rain and cold,'" said Elaine, with Speedstyle Car Club. "I was, like, 'One day, hopefully I can learn to ride a bike and be just like you.'"
The crash caused damage to the concrete curb next to the store and left a gaping hole in the side of the business. Employees inside could be seen cleaning up on Wednesday.
The Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the crash.
Police said this was the 52nd person to died in a motor vehicle crash this year in Jacksonville. Jimenez was the eighth person to die in a crash involving a motorcycle, police said.