Cole, 27, of Boynton Beach, died at the scene just north of Forest Hill Boulevard. He and several other motorcyclists had just left a restaurant and were headed home when the crash occurred about 10 p.m., Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tim Frith said.
That part of the highway is under construction and Tuesday night only two lanes were open. Cole was merging and lost control of his Suzuki 1000, Frith said.
"It was a very gruesome scene," he said. The motorcycle "overturned, throwing him off."
The accident is under investigation and Frith said speed might have been a factor, but it is too early to tell. Cole was wearing a helmet.
Shock and disbelief are the words Riviera Beach Fire-Rescue Chief Troy Perry used to describe his firefighters' reaction. After leaving the scene, many headed to the main firehouse to console one another, he said.
Cole was hired Jan. 15, 2002, and was in line for a promotion to training officer, Perry said.
"His skills were improving at an alarming rate," he said. "He had a passion for the fire service."
That passion extended to his colleagues. When a firefighter recently returned from serving in Iraq, Cole helped organize a welcome-home picnic.
On Wednesday, they returned the favor. Perry said his staff visited Cole's parents in Delray Beach throughout the day offering support and condolences.
"The mood has been very somber," he said.
