Motorcyclist killed in Greenport accident

An Islip Terrace man riding his motorcycle through Greenport was killed Sunday when a sport utility vehicle turned in front of him, Southold police said.

William Helmsorig, 45, was heading east on Route 48 when a westbound Mercedes SUV driven by Effie Diakos, 75, made a left in front of him onto Albertson Lane about 12:08 p.m., police said. The two vehicles collided.

Police said Diakos failed to yield the right of way and that they are still investigating.

Helmsorig, a father of two, left his home in the morning to ride his new motorcycle, said his wife, Donna Helmsorig. "He was an avid rider," she said. "He loved motorcycles."

Diakos, of East Marion, said she was driving to a fish market in Greenport. She said she waited for three cars to pass before attempting a left turn onto Albertson Lane. "I waited to turn and I turned very slowly. I'm very careful when I drive," Diakos said. "He just came out of nowhere."

A Bay Shore native and Sonderling High School graduate, Helmsorig worked as an operating engineer at Intercounty Paving, running heavy equipment used to resurface roads, his wife said.