DoorDash driver saves motorcyclist from near-death in West Melbourne hit-and-run accident: ‘I thought he was dead’

WEST MELBOURNE, Florida. – A motorcyclist has walked out of intensive care days after police say he was left on the street to die following a hit-and-run in West Melbourne.

The accident happened over the weekend and police arrested Rebekah Tate, 24, on Wednesday.

They also released a new photo Thursday, showing what police say is the rider’s motorcycle embedded underneath the suspect’s car. Friends told FOX 35 News the victim is 34-year-old John Powell, who is recovering in the hospital. He was moved out of intensive care and another surgery was scheduled for Friday.

Many people believe a good Samaritan saved their lives. A DoorDash driver was making a late-night delivery when he saw a man lying limply in the middle of the road.

“I told the 911 operator he was dead, I thought he was dead,” said Good Samaritan Billy LeBlanc. “I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, but I’m glad I was there and was able to help him.”

LeBlanc was the first person to stop and help him after he was hit by a car at U.S. 192 and Dairy Road around 2:30 a.m. Sunday. He immediately called 911.

“I thought he was going to start doing chest compressions,” the DoorDash driver said.

He is still trying to process what he saw and the fact that the person responsible allegedly left him there to die.

“I’m glad they caught her,” he said. “That’s the most important thing, that they caught her.”

West Melbourne police say a 24-year-old driver, Rebekah Tate, was behind the wheel of the car that hit Powell. She appeared before a judge on Thursday and faces two charges, including leaving the scene and tampering with evidence.

West Melbourne police say Tate was caught on surveillance video allegedly trying to get the motorcycle out from under her car. When she couldn’t, she called someone to pick it up and left the scene, they say.

“She left him there to die, how could you do that?” exclaimed one of Powell’s friends, Leah Lindstrand.

Lindstrand started a GoFundMe to help her friend.

She says she is better but still has a long way to go to recover.

“Basically, both of his legs are out. He has a major fracture in his left leg and another one in his right. I know he has fractures in his ribs,” the friend said. “It broke my heart to see him like that. He’s getting better, so that’s good.”

“I’m glad he’s alive. I’m glad he’s a strong guy, obviously, because she hit him pretty hard,” Le Blanc concluded.

At Thursday’s hearing, Tate had a private attorney. The state agreed to a $17,500 bond: $15,000 on one charge and $2,500 on the other.

The suspect’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 1.