ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A family is in shock and mourning after Brienne Lemay was killed on I-95 north of State Road 16 late Monday night. She was 37.
The preliminary information from the Florida Highway Patrol shows Lemay was traveling northbound on a motorcycle in the left lane of the interstate when the motorcycle traveled into the path of a semi-truck in the center lane.
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The front of the semi, troopers said, hit the motorcycle and Lemay died at the scene. The crash report shows Lemay was wearing a helmet.
Lemay’s family said they need to see more evidence before they believe Lemay was at fault in the crash.
Brian Chandler, Lemay’s eldest brother, said his sister is a beloved veterinary surgeon and pilot with a clean driving record.
He first learned about what happened through Facebook, where friends and loved ones were posting their condolences.
“I just, I lost it,” Chandler said. “You never want to find out that way and that’s the part that’s been frustrating.”
We just learned the identity of the woman who was killed on I-95 in St. Johns County late Monday night. Her name is Brienne Lemay. She was a veterinary surgeon with FCNMHP Her brother Brian said she is beloved and will be dearly missed. They're still in shock.@wjxt4 pic.twitter.com/F7qD6RNYib
— Emily Boyer (@Wjxt4EmilyBoyer) December 8, 2020
Lemay is well known for her work with First Coast No More Homeless Pets in Jacksonville. She was recognized by FCNMHP in 2017 when she saved a dog who was mauled days after Hurricane Irma.
“My sister was so incredibly passionate about animals and helping them,” Chandler said. “She’s made a tremendous impact on some people’s lives and saving their loved ones -- pets are a really important part of people’s family and somebody who dedicates their life to healing and helping and saving -- that should speak volumes for who she is as a person and the type of heart that my sister had.”
Chandler said his sister will be remembered as “free spirited” and loved to ride her motorcycle. He said her friends are planning a memorial ride in her honor.
Chandler noted that the trooper he spoke with was “very respectful.” He said that the highway patrol acted professionally and that troopers were full of empathy.