Fatality

Dad Arrested for DUI Crash that Killed 2 Toddler Sons and Injured Another Son on Easter Eve ’22

TAVARES, Fla.—A father is in the Lake County Jail on no bond after being arrested for DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide and operating a vehicle without a driver license causing death, stemming from a crash that killed his two young sons on Easter Eve in 2022. David Shawn Pelfrey, 22, was picked up at his home in Fruitland Park on a warrant Thursday, nearly two years after the crash that killed his young sons, Damian and Dominic and seriously injured their younger brother Daylen. Inside Lake spoke with the boys’ mom, Miranda Martin, by text Monday and she said Daylen is […]

Dad Arrested for DUI Crash that Killed 2 Toddler Sons and Injured Another Son on Easter Eve ’22 Read More »

Pedestrian Killed after Walking in front of Eustis Man’s Truck in Seminole County Wednesday

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla.—A pedestrian was killed in Seminole County after walking into the direct path of truck being driven by a Eustis man Wednesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 72-year-old Maitland man was crossing U.S. 17-92 at Spartan Drive around 6:30 a.m. when he walked in front of a 2002 Toyota Tundra being driven by a 34-year-old Eustis man. Witnesses told FHP the Eustis man had a green light. The Maitland man was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center and pronounced deceased; the Eustis man was not injured and remained on scene. The crash is under investigation.

Pedestrian Killed after Walking in front of Eustis Man’s Truck in Seminole County Wednesday Read More »

Lady Lake Woman Killed Monday after Crashing into Tree in Marion County

MARION COUNTY, Fla.—A Lady Lake woman was killed Monday morning after losing control of an SUV and crashing into a tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 49-year-old woman was southbound on Southeast 47th Avenue north of Southeast Highway 42 when she lost control for an unknown reason, traveled into the northbound land and struck a tree off the west shoulder around 9 a.m. Monday, FHP Lt. P.V. Riordan said. She was pronounced deceased on the scene and was not wearing a seatbelt, Riordan said.

Lady Lake Woman Killed Monday after Crashing into Tree in Marion County Read More »

FHP: Lady Lake Man Flees Fatal Citrus County Crash, Captured in a Pasture by Citrus Deputies

CITRUS COUNTY, Fla.—A Lady Lake man is accused of being drunk, causing a crash that killed a man and fleeing the scene Sunday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Robert Brandon Vanzant, 31, of Lady Lake was speeding southbound in a Ford F-150 on North Carl G. Rose Highway and passing traffic on the shoulder shortly before 2:30 p.m. Sunday, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said. Vanzant merged back into traffic near East Spruce Drive and rear-ended a Honda Accord being driven by a 62-year-old Lecanto man. The impact propelled the Honda across the road, where it struck a bridge rail

FHP: Lady Lake Man Flees Fatal Citrus County Crash, Captured in a Pasture by Citrus Deputies Read More »

Umatilla Man Killed in Early Morning Crash Identified

EUSTIS, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol has confirmed the identity of the man killed after he crashed into a tree Saturday morning. Tyler Evans, 27, of Umatilla, was driving a 2016 Nissan Versa northbound on County Road 439 near Dairy Road in unincorporated Eustis when he lost control, left the roadway and struck a tree around 5:15 a.m., FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. Evans was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, where he was pronounced deceased. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. According to a gofundme created to benefit Evans’ family, Tyler

Umatilla Man Killed in Early Morning Crash Identified Read More »

Umatilla Man Killed after Losing Control of Car and Crashing into a Tree

EUSTIS, Fla.—A Umatilla man was killed before daylight Saturday morning after losing control of his car and striking a tree, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The 27-year-old man was driving a 2016 Nissan Versa north on County Road 439 near Dairy Road, in unicorporated Eustis, shortly before 5:15 a.m. when he lost control for an unknown reason, left the roadway and struck a tree, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The man was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, where he was pronounced deceased. The crash closed County Road 439 for more than five hours and remains under

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Orange County Wrong-Way Crash Seriously Injures Mount Dora Woman, Kills Ocoee Woman

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.—A Mount Dora woman was seriously injured, and an Ocoee woman was killed in a wrong-way crash on State Road 429 early Thursday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 3:10 a.m., the Ocoee woman, 44, was driving a 2013 Nissan Altima northbound in the outside southbound lane near Orange Blossom Trail in the direct path of a 2020 Toyota Rav 4 being driven by a 29-year-old Mount Dora woman, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The Mount Dora woman attempted to swerve to avoid the Altima, but the two vehicles collided, Crescenzi said. The Ocoee woman was

Orange County Wrong-Way Crash Seriously Injures Mount Dora Woman, Kills Ocoee Woman Read More »

Pedestrian Killed Near Leesburg Wednesday Morning

LEESBURG, Fla.—A pedestrian walking in the road was struck and killed in Leesburg Wednesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 6:30 a.m., a 63-year-old Leesburg man was driving a 2020 Volkswagen Passat eastbound on Griffin Road near Pioneer Trail when he struck a 55-year-old Leesburg man who was walking in the eastbound lane of Griffin Road, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The pedestrian was transported to UF Health Leesburg Hospital and pronounced deceased; the driver of the Passat was not injured. He remained on scene and told troopers he did not see the man walking in the road.

Pedestrian Killed Near Leesburg Wednesday Morning Read More »

Name of Motorcyclist Killed in Mount Dora Thursday Night Crash Released

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—Mount Dora Police Department has released more information about a crash that killed a motorcyclist Thursday night. Just after 8:30 p.m. Thursday, MDPD responded to a crash involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck at County Road 19A and Azalea Drive, MDPD spokesperson Brittany Haller said. Tyler Matthew Head, 23, was riding a 2003 Buell Lightning motorcycle northbound on County Road 19A when he collided with a 2004 GMC Sierra being driven by Geary Shane Martin, 47, who was attempting to turn into a Dollar General from Azaela Drive, according to Haller. “The impact caused the motorcycle to

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Villager, 76, Killed in Marion County Crash Saturday

MARION COUNTY, Fla.—A 76-year-old woman of The Villages was killed Saturday morning after she pulled out in front of a pickup truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The woman was driving an SUV east on Northwest 85th Loop at U.S. Highway 441 and attempted to make a lefthand turn onto U.S. Highway 441, around 9:30 a.m. She pulled out in front of a pickup truck traveling in the outside southbound lane and the front of the truck collided with the left side of the SUV. FHP said. The woman was transported to HCA Ocala Hospital, where she later died

Villager, 76, Killed in Marion County Crash Saturday Read More »

Motorcyclist Struck by 8 Vehicles after Falling from Bike near Clermont, FHP Says

CLERMONT, Fla.— A 26-year-old Kissimmee man was killed Sunday night after he fell from his Kawasaki motorcycle and was struck by eight vehicles on U.S. Highway 27, near Clermont, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 6:20 p.m. Sunday, the motorcyclist was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 27 near Frank Jarrell Road when he lost control, fell from the bike, and landed in the center lane, FHP Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said in a press release. The rider was then struck by eight vehicles that were traveling behind him, including a Chevrolet Trax, a Nissan Armada, a Toyota Camry, a Chevrolet

Motorcyclist Struck by 8 Vehicles after Falling from Bike near Clermont, FHP Says Read More »

Motorcyclist Killed in 3-Vehicle Crash near Clermont Sunday Night

CLERMONT, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is on scene of a fatal crash at U.S. Highway 27 and Frank Jarrell Road, near Clermont. A 26-year-old Kissimmee man riding a 2024 Kawasaki motorcycle was involved in a crash with 2020 Chevrolet Trax and a 2023 Dodge Challenger around 6:20 p.m. Sunday. The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased on the scene. There is a roadblock in the area and motorists are asked to use caution.

Motorcyclist Killed in 3-Vehicle Crash near Clermont Sunday Night Read More »

Tavares Police Identify Pedestrian Killed on U.S. Highway 441 Friday Night

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department has identified the man killed on U.S. Highway 441 Friday night. According to witnesses and TPD’s preliminary investigation, around 8 p.m., Renald Guay, 67, of New Hampshire, was standing in the median of U.S. Highway 441, also known as Burleigh Boulevard, near Lake Eustis Drive, when he began to jaywalk across the highway, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. He was struck by a white 2014 Lincoln SUV traveling in a southbound lane and being driven by Merle Somers, 50, of Tavares. Somers and her passenger were not injured.  “The vehicle occupants remained on scene

Tavares Police Identify Pedestrian Killed on U.S. Highway 441 Friday Night Read More »

Details Released on Triple Fatality Near Groveland

GROVELAND, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate a crash that killed a man and two women near Groveland Tuesday. Around 2 p.m., a 2018 Ford Explorer, being driven by a 47-year-old Grand Island man was stopped, facing east on Bridges Road at County Road 33 when it pulled into the direct path of a 1997 Ford dump truck being driven northbound on County Road 33, by a 63-year-old man of Mount Vernon, Maine. The front of the dump truck collided with the right side of the Explorer. The impact caused both vehicles to leave the roadway and travel into

Details Released on Triple Fatality Near Groveland Read More »

3 Killed in Groveland Crash with Dump Truck Tuesday, CR 33 Shut Down

GROVELAND, Fla.—Three people were killed in a crash Tuesday afternoon in Groveland, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at County Road 33 and Bridges Road just before 2 p.m. and involves an SUV and a dump truck. County Road 33 is shut down, FHP said. No other information was available at press time. This is a developing story.

3 Killed in Groveland Crash with Dump Truck Tuesday, CR 33 Shut Down Read More »

Umatilla Man Killed in CR 452 Crash Tuesday

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Umatilla motorcyclist was killed Tuesday when a sedan made a left turn and collided with him, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 2013 Hyundai Sonata, being driven by a 91-year-old Apopka man, was eastbound on County Road 452, in the left turn lane, at Sandpiper Drive, near Leesburg, shortly before noon when it made a left turn in the direct path of a 2002 Kawasaki motorcycle being ridden by a 56-year-old Umatilla man, FHP Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said in a press release. The Umatilla man was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where he was pronounced deceased,

Umatilla Man Killed in CR 452 Crash Tuesday Read More »

Motorcycle Fatality Shuts Down CR 452 Near Leesburg Tuesday

Update: Umatilla Man Killed in CR 452 Crash Tuesday – Inside Lake LEESBURG, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a motorcyclist late Tuesday morning near Leesburg and shut down County Road 452. The crash occurred on County Road 452 near Sandpiper Drive, shortly before noon, and involved a Hyundai Sonata and a 2002 Kawasaki motorcycle, FHP Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said in an email.  The driver and the passenger in the Sonata were not injured and the motorcyclist was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares and pronounced deceased. County Road 452 remained closed at press time.

Motorcycle Fatality Shuts Down CR 452 Near Leesburg Tuesday Read More »

Sunday Afternoon Crash Kills Leesburg Man, 94

LEESBURG, Fla.—A 94-year-old Leesburg man was killed Sunday afternoon when the SUV he was driving was struck by a car that ran a traffic light, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was driving a 2015 Subaru Forester eastbound on Plantation Boulevard and was attempting to make a left turn on U.S. Highway 27 when he collided with a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu that was “unable to stop in time for the traffic signal,” around 4:15 p.m., Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said in a press release. The front of the Malibu struck the left side of the Forester and injured both

Sunday Afternoon Crash Kills Leesburg Man, 94 Read More »

Fatal Crash Shuts Down U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla.—A fatal crash has shutdown several lanes of U.S. Highway 27 at Schofield Road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at 5:10 p.m. Friday and involves a vehicle and a motorcycle; the motorcyclist was pronounced deceased on the scene, FHP said. All northbound lanes and one southbound lane of U.S. Highway 27 are shutdown. This is a developing story. 

Fatal Crash Shuts Down U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont Read More »

Event Planned for Sunday to Benefit Children of Sorrento Moms Killed in Connecticut Crash Last Month

EUSTIS, Fla.—A community plans to come together Sunday afternoon to raise money for three children injured in a crash that killed their moms in Connecticut last month. On Oct. 22, Lacey Marie Price, 32, and Rebecca “Becky” Marie Schutte, 36, both of Sorrento, were passengers in a Lincoln Aviator being driven by Kory Watson, 40, of Hillsville, Va. Watson veered into the right lane for an unknown reason on Interstate 91 South in Wethersfield, Conn. and collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer parked on the right shoulder. The collision killed Watson and Price; Schutte was transported to Hartford Hospital

Event Planned for Sunday to Benefit Children of Sorrento Moms Killed in Connecticut Crash Last Month Read More »

Motorcyclist Killed in Tavares Crash Friday Identified

TAVARES, Fla.—The motorcyclist killed in an early morning crash Friday has been publicly identified. Russell Pratt, 42, of Leesburg, was riding a 2019 Harley-Davidson northbound on U.S. Highway 441 and police believe he lost control of the bike west of Lakeshore Boulevard just before 1:45 a.m. Friday. The crash remains under investigation by Tavares Police Department. Pratt was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where he was pronounced deceased, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. The crash closed the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 441 for several hours and did not involve any other vehicles. Numerous people shared their

Motorcyclist Killed in Tavares Crash Friday Identified Read More »

Leesburg Motorcyclist Killed in Early Morning Tavares Crash

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department is investigating a crash that killed a motorcyclist early Friday morning. A 42-year-old Leesburg man riding a 2019 Harley-Davidson crashed shortly before 1:45 a.m. on U.S. Highway 441, west of Lakeshore Boulevard. The man was transported to an area hospital where he later he died; he was not wearing a helmet. The crash closed the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 441 for several hours and did not involve any other vehicles. Details of how the crash occurred are still under investigation, but police believe the man was riding northbound on U.S. Highway 441 when he lost

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Candlelight Vigil Held for Umatilla Teen Killed in Crash Monday

LEESBURG, Fla.—Dozens of vehicles lined both sides of Goose Prairie Road Tuesday night for a candlelight vigil held in remembrance of a teen who was killed in a crash Monday. The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed the names of both teens to Inside Lake Tuesday afternoon and loved ones and friends gathered to honor Michael Pasternak, 16, of Umatilla, who was the passenger in a Jeep Wrangler that overturned several times, killing him and the driver shortly before 8 p.m. Monday. Lane Johnson, 17, of Leesburg, was driving the 2016 Wrangler eastbound on Goose Prairie Road near Felkins Road when he

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FHP Releases More Information on Rollover Crash that Killed 2 Teens Near Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol has released more information on a crash that killed two teens near Leesburg Monday night. FHP said two adult males were killed Monday night, but an early Tuesday morning press release stated the crash victims were a 17-year-old male of Leesburg and a 16-year-old male of Umatilla. The 17-year-old male was driving a 2016 Jeep Wrangler eastbound on Goose Prairie Road when it attempted to pass a 2005 Ford F-150 in a no-passing zone shortly before 8 p.m. Monday, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The Wrangler entered the westbound lane and then tried to reenter

FHP Releases More Information on Rollover Crash that Killed 2 Teens Near Leesburg Read More »

Crash Kills 2 Near Leesburg Monday Night

LEESBURG, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed two men shortly before 8 p.m. Monday night. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was eastbound on Goose Prairie Road when it attempted to pass a 2005 Ford F-150 in a no-passing zone near Felkins Road, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The Wrangler entered the westbound land and then tried to reenter the eastbound lane due to oncoming traffic. The right rear of the Wrangler collided with the front left of the F-150 and the Wrangler overcorrected, traveled across both lanes, overturned several times and struck a wire fence. The driver

Crash Kills 2 Near Leesburg Monday Night Read More »

Bicyclist Dies from Injuries Months After Sorrento Hit-and-Run Crash

SORRENTO, Florida—A Sorrento bicyclist has died from injuries he sustained in a hit-and-run crash in July, the Florida Highway Patrol confirmed to Inside Lake. Only Inside Lake reported on the crash that seriously injured Richard “Rick” McPhee, 59, of Sorrento around 5:45 a.m. July 26. McPhee was riding a bicycle eastbound on Wolf Branch Road approaching Stone Meadow Court on his way to work when a vehicle, possibly a 2014 -2018 Kia Soul, struck McPhee from behind, according to FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi.   McPhee’s bicycle had proper lighting and he was wearing a reflective vest. The impact threw McPhee

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Paisley Man Killed on I4 in Hillsborough County Saturday Night

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla.—A pedestrian from Paisley was killed Saturday night when he was struck by minivan on Interstate 4, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A Toyota Sienna, being driven by a 59-year-old Sarasota man, was traveling westbound on I4 near McIntosh Road, just after 8:15 p.m. when the Paisley man, 24, walked across the highway and into the path of the minivan for an unknown reason, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said. “As a result, the vehicle struck the pedestrian, who suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash,” Gaskins said in an email.

Paisley Man Killed on I4 in Hillsborough County Saturday Night Read More »

Names of Tavares Weekend Crash Victims Released

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department has released the names of the two men involved in a deadly single-car crash early Saturday morning. TPD believes Anthony Petchonka Jr., 24, of Tavares was driving a 2003 black Acura coupe when he crashed shortly before 2:30 a.m. near the intersection of Dead River Road and Baytree Boulevard. The impact ejected Petchonka Jr., and his passenger Jordan Debitetto, 22, of Astatula. Inside Lake originally reported Debitetto was from Apopka, as listed on his driver license, but TPD has since discovered he lives in Astatula, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. Petchonka Jr. was pronounced

Names of Tavares Weekend Crash Victims Released Read More »

Connecticut Crash Claims the Lives of 2 Sorrento Women and Virginia Man, 3 Children Hospitalized

WETHERSFIELD, Conn.—A Connecticut crash claimed the lives of two Sorrento women and a Virginia man Sunday and sent three Sorrento children to the hospital, according to the Connecticut State Police (CSP.) Shortly before 5 a.m. Sunday, Kory Watson, 40, of Hillsville, Va., was driving a 2003 Lincoln Aviator on Interstate 91 South when he veered into the right lane for an unknown reason and collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer parked on the right shoulder near Exit 25. Watson, and one of his passengers, Lacey Marie Price, 32, of Sorrento, were pronounced deceased on the scene. Passenger Rebecca Marie

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Single-Car Crash Kills Tavares Man and Sends Apopka Man to the Hospital Early Saturday

TAVARES, Fla.—A Tavares man was killed in a single-car crash early Saturday morning and his passenger is in critical condition at a local trauma center, according to Tavares Police Department. TPD traffic homicide investigators responded to the scene near Dead River Road and Baytree Boulevard overnight and TPD released preliminary information Saturday morning. TPD believes the 2003 black Acura coupe being driven by a 24-year-old Tavares man was traveling on Dead River Road when it crashed shortly before 2:30 a.m. Saturday, ejecting both the driver and his 22-year-old male passenger of Apopka. The crash killed the Tavares man, and the

Single-Car Crash Kills Tavares Man and Sends Apopka Man to the Hospital Early Saturday Read More »

Man Pleads Guilty Monday to Hit-and-Run that Killed Beloved Local Musician in 2022

TAVARES, Florida—More than a year after a beloved local musician was killed in a hit-and-run crash, the driver pleaded guilty to leaving the scene and was sentenced to five years in prison Monday. Inside Lake was in the courtroom when Justin Thomas Flower, 39, pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of the crash that killed Robert “Bobby” Wilson July 23, 2022. Flower was originally charged with manslaughter and leaving the scene of a crash causing death in November 2022, but as part of his plea agreement, the manslaughter charge was dropped, and he pleaded guilty to the remaining charge. He

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Leesburg Man Killed Walking Across CR 44 Friday Night

LEESBURG, Fla.—A 47-year-old Leesburg man was killed on County Road 44 Friday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was walking southbound across the eastbound lane near Rhett Road in the Leesburg area when he was struck by a 2019 Chrysler 3000 being driven by a 37-year-old man shortly before 9:30 p.m. The crash scene is near a Dollar General. The driver and his 38-year-old female passenger, both of Leesburg, were not injured. The pedestrian was pronounced dead on the scene, FHP Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said. The fatal crash closed County Road 44 for several hours and remains

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Turnpike Crash Claims 2 Lives Saturday

CLERMONT, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol in investigating a crash that killed two people Saturday afternoon on Florida’s Turnpike in Clermont. The crash, involving a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, occurred at 2:30 p.m. near mile marker 280 in the southbound lanes and killed the driver and one passenger; a second passenger was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center with serious injuries, according to Trooper Migdalisis Garcia. This is a developing story.

Turnpike Crash Claims 2 Lives Saturday Read More »

Account Established to Benefit Family of Lake Minneola High Senior Tragically Killed in School Bus Crash

MINNEOLA, Fla.—A fundraising account has been established to benefit the family of the Lake Minneola High School (LMHS) student who tragically passed away Monday. Sherman “Isaiah” Vannoy, a 17-year-old senior, was on a bicycle when he was struck by a school bus before daylight Monday morning at the entrance of LMHS. Mary Laurenzi, 78, of Leesburg, who was hired by Lake County Schools in November 2021, was driving the school bus southbound on Hancock Road, south of Fox Trail Avenue, in the left turn lane. Vannoy was riding a bicycle northbound on the north sidewalk of Hancock Road approaching the

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Lake County Schools Releases Name of Student Tragically Killed in School Bus Collision Monday, Grief Counselors on Campus

MINNEOLA, Fla.— Lake County Schools (LCS) has released the names of the teen and the bus driver involved in a fatal crash Monday morning at Lake Minneola High School. Sherman Vannoy, 17, was a senior at Lake Minneola High School, Sherri Owens spokesperson for LCS told Inside Lake. “This was a very difficult day for all of us at Lake County Schools,” Owens said in an email. “We are in touch with the family and are offering our support. We have grief counselors on campus this week for any students or faculty members who may need their services.” The bus

Lake County Schools Releases Name of Student Tragically Killed in School Bus Collision Monday, Grief Counselors on Campus Read More »

Teen Bicyclist Killed in Collision with School Bus near Lake Minneola High School

MINNEOLA, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a 17-year-old bicyclist near Lake Minneola High School Monday morning. “The crash occurred as the bus was turning left into the school from traveling southbound on Hancock Road,” Trooper Migdalisis Garcia told Inside Lake in an email. The crash occurred at 6:50 a.m. near Hancock Road and Fox Trail Avenue and troopers are still investigating the sequence of events that resulted in the crash, Garcia said. The 17-year-old Minneola boy was transported to South Lake Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The bus driver, a 78-year-old woman from Leesburg,

Teen Bicyclist Killed in Collision with School Bus near Lake Minneola High School Read More »

Head-On Collision Kills Umatilla Man, Shuts Down SR 46 Friday

SORRENTO, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is on scene of a crash that killed a Umatilla man and shut down State Road 46 in both directions. The preliminary investigation revealed a 2009 Hyundai Sonata being driven by a 42-year-old Umatilla man was traveling westbound on State Road 46 near Wekiva Pines Boulevard around 5:40 p.m. when he veered into the eastbound lane and collided with 2022 Ford E-350 being driven by a 49-year-old Deltona man, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The Umatilla man was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, where he was pronounced deceased. The Deltona man

Head-On Collision Kills Umatilla Man, Shuts Down SR 46 Friday Read More »

Name of Pedestrian Killed in Leesburg Last Week Released

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department has released the name of the pedestrian killed in a crash Sept. 8. Stanley L. Rollins, 59, Mount Dora, was crossing U.S. Highway 441, near Mt. Vernon Road, just after 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8, when he was struck by a silver 2010 Nissan traveling north on U.S. Highway 441 and being driven by Alexander Aguilar, 19, of Leesburg, according to LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi. The investigation into the crash closed several lanes of traffic on U.S. Highway 441. Rollins was pronounced deceased on the scene; the crash remains under investigation.

Name of Pedestrian Killed in Leesburg Last Week Released Read More »

Few Details Released in Leesburg Crash that Killed Pedestrian Friday, Investigation Ongoing

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department has released few details about the crash that killed a pedestrian on U.S. Highway 441 Friday afternoon. The pedestrian, a 59-year-old male of Mount Dora, was crossing U.S. Highway 441, near Mt. Vernon Road, just after 4:30 p.m. Friday, when he was struck by a silver 2010 Nissan traveling north on U.S. Highway 441 and being driven by Alexander Aguilar, 19, of Leesburg, according to LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi. The investigation into the crash closed several lanes of traffic on U.S. Highway 441. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on the scene and his name still has

Few Details Released in Leesburg Crash that Killed Pedestrian Friday, Investigation Ongoing Read More »

Leesburg Police Investigating Fatal Crash Involving Pedestrian Friday Afternoon

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department is investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian that occurred late Friday afternoon. The crash occurred at U.S. Highway 441 and Mt. Vernon Road and closed the inside lanes of U.S. Highway 441; the center and outside lanes are open, according to a social media post by LPD around 5 p.m. Friday. Police are urging motorists to use caution in the area. This is a developing story.

Leesburg Police Investigating Fatal Crash Involving Pedestrian Friday Afternoon Read More »

Motorcyclist Killed After Running Stop Sign in Unincorporated Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Leesburg motorcyclist was killed Monday after he ran a stop sign in unincorporated Leesburg, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 84-year-old man was riding a 2007 Harley-Davidson motorcycle eastbound on El Presidente Boulevard when he failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. Highway 27 while attempting to make a left turn around 2:10 p.m., Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said in a press release. The motorcycle entered the direct path of a 2015 Toyota Corolla traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 27 and being driven by a 31-year-old woman of Stone Mountain, Georgia. The front of the Corolla

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Man, 18, Struck and Killed on Busy Road Near Clermont

FOUR CORNERS, Fla.—A Davenport man was killed while walking in the westbound lanes of U.S. 192 late Monday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just after 10 p.m. Monday, a 2014 Toyota Camry being driven by a 58-year-old Clermont woman was traveling westbound on U.S. 192 approaching Town Center Boulevard in the outside lane when the Davenport man walked into the westbound lanes, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The Camry struck the teen, and he was pronounced deceased on the scene. The Clermont woman was transported to AdventHealth Four Corners ER with minor injuries. The

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Saturday Head-On Collision Kills Leesburg Man

MARION COUNTY, Fla.—A head-on collision killed two people on County Road 464 in Marion Saturday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 71-year-old Ocklawaha woman was driving an SUV northbound on County Road 464 near Locust Road around 1:55 p.m. Saturday when she crossed over into the southbound lane for reasons still under investigation, FHP said in a press release. The SUV the woman was driving traveled directly into the path of another SUV being driven by a 79-year-old Leesburg man. The woman was pronounced deceased on the scene and the man was transported to an area hospital, where

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Pedestrian Killed in Mount Dora Early Sunday, Motorcyclist in Critical Condition

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A pedestrian believed to be walking in the road was killed early Sunday morning following a collision with a motorcycle, according to Mount Dora Police Chief Michael Gibson. Around 1 a.m. Sunday, Brandon Crunk, 38, was riding a motorcycle on County Road 19A near Progress Boulevard when he collided with a pedestrian, identified as Jason Bowlin, 42. The impact killed Bowlin and Crunk was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition, Gibson told Inside Lake. “At this stage of the investigation, it is believed the pedestrian was walking in the roadway,” Gibson said in

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Tragic Mount Dora Crash Claims Toddler’s Life, Sends Mom to Hospital

MOUNT DORA, Florida—Mount Dora Police Department is investigating a crash that claimed the life of a 2-year-old boy and sent his mom to the hospital Thursday afternoon. MDPD has not released names, but a gofundme and accompanying social media post identified mom and son as Kaley Paladino and her youngest son, Guy Wesley Paladino, of Tavares. Guy Wesley Paladino, 2, who was called Wesley by family and friends, was transported to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children following the tragic crash on State Road 46, where he later succumbed to his injuries and his mom, Kaley Paladino, was transported

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Eustis Man Killed in Volusia County Crash, Boy, 5, and Infants Unhurt

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Florida—A Eustis man who had two 3-month-old infant boys and a 5-year-old boy in a pickup truck with him was killed Tuesday morning when he crashed into a utility pole attached to a tractor-trailer, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The Eustis man, 34, was driving a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 eastbound on State Road 44, near Paradise Drive, close to the Lake County/Volusia County line when he attempted to pass a commercial vehicle and a tractor-trailer at the same time, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. “Due to oncoming traffic in the westbound lane

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Crash Claims Life of Leesburg Motorcyclist

LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg motorcyclist was killed Sunday night after crashing into a tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 60-year-old man was riding 2019 Harley-Davidson Street Glide westbound on Plantation Boulevard approaching Old Plantation Boulevard in unincorporated Leesburg, when he ran off the road and struck a tree around 9 p.m. Sunday, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. He was transported to Orlando Health South Lake Hospital Emergency Room – Blue Cedar in Leesburg, where he was pronounced deceased. He was not wearing a helmet. This was the second fatal motorcycle crash in Lake County Sunday.

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Motorcyclist Killed in Umatilla After Attempting to Pass Pickup Truck in No-Passing Zone, Witness Speaks Only to Inside Lake

UMATILLA, Florida— A motorcyclist was killed Sunday afternoon after he attempted to pass a pickup truck in a no-passing zone as the truck was making a left turn, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 51-year-old Enterprise man was riding a 2019 Ducati Panigale motorcycle southbound on County Road 44A approaching Bill Collins Road in unincorporated Umatilla when he attempted to pass a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado towing a boat just after 1:30 p.m., FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in an email. As the 19-year-old Umatilla man driving the Silverado made a left turn onto Bill Collins Road, the motorcycle struck

Motorcyclist Killed in Umatilla After Attempting to Pass Pickup Truck in No-Passing Zone, Witness Speaks Only to Inside Lake Read More »

Rush Hour Crash Kills 3 in Leesburg Wednesday Morning

LEESBURG, Florida—Three people were killed Wednesday morning in a crash that shut down U.S. Highway 441 for several hours, according to Leesburg Police Department. A blue 2020 Ford Mustang being driven by a 77-year-old male of Mount Dora was southbound on U.S. Highway 441 near Sleepy Hollow Road when it rear-ended a 2023 Hyundai Tucson being driven by a 69-year-old woman, just before 8:15 a.m. Wednesday, LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi said in an email. The Mustang then traveled over the center median into the northbound lanes where it struck a gray 2013 Hyundai Sonata being driven by a 42-year-old Umatilla

Rush Hour Crash Kills 3 in Leesburg Wednesday Morning Read More »

SR 33 Crash Kills 3 Early Friday Morning

CLERMONT, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed three people early Friday morning. The crash occurred at 5:36 a.m. at State Road 33 and Bakers Lane in unincorporated Clermont and involved an overturned asphalt truck; Lake County Fire Rescue has confirmed three fatalities on the scene, according to FHP Trooper Migdalisis Garcia. “There is currently roadblock in the area,” Garcia said in an email. This is a developing story.

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Leesburg Police Seeking Information on Crash that Killed Lady Lake Woman Earlier this Month

LEESBURG, Florida—Leesburg Police Department continues to investigate a crash that killed a pedestrian earlier this month. Shortly before 2:30 a.m. May 20, Erica L. Davis, 40, was crossing U.S. Highway 27, also known as North 14th Street at West Main Street when she was struck by a 2019 black Toyota Corolla being driven by Zachary Sents, 32, of Webster. Davis, of Lady Lake, was transported to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, formerly known as Ocala Regional Medical Center, with life-threatening injuries and later succumbed to her injuries. LPD is asking anyone with information about the crash to call the LPD Traffic

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Car Collides with 2 Trees, Killing Driver and Passenger Early Sunday

DeLAND, Florida—Two men were killed early Sunday morning after the car they were in crashed into two trees, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 2015 Honda Civic was eastbound on County Road 42 in the DeLand area of Lake County when it crossed the center line, went across the westbound lane, left the roadway and struck a tree, near Crows Bluff Road, shortly before 1:30 a.m., Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said in a press release. After striking the tree, the Honda continued in a northerly direction and struck a second tree; the crash killed the driver, a 23-year-old DeLand man

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Leesburg Man Dies From Crash Injuries

LEESBURG, Florida—A 73-old Leesburg man has died from injuries he suffered in a crash earlier this week, according to Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi. Shortly after 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, David Reno, 73, was driving a 2007 Chevrolet sedan north on U.S. Highway 441 when he attempted to make a left turn on Perkins Street and collided with a 2011 GMC pickup truck headed southbound and being driven by Terrin Lawson, 22, of Leesburg. Leesburg Police Department and Leesburg Fire Rescue responded to the crash scene. Reno, Lawson, and Lawson’s passenger, 18-year-old Taraya McBride, also of Leesburg, were all transported to

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FHP Searching for Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Umatilla Man in Marion County

MARION COUNTY, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for an SUV that hit a Umatilla bicyclist early Friday morning, killing him. The 44-year-old man, identified by his sister as Patrick Williams, was riding in an unknown direction in the outside southbound lane of U.S. Highway 441 near Del Webb Boulevard in an unknown direction, when he was struck by an SUV traveling south. The SUV struck the bicycle and fled the scene; the bicycle was not equipped with illumination devices, FHP said. Williams was pronounced deceased on the scene by Marion County Fire Rescue shortly before 5 a.m. Friday. FHP

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Motorcycle Crash Kills Leesburg Man, Injures Leesburg Woman

TAVARES, Florida—A late night motorcycle crash killed a Leesburg man and injured a Leesburg woman Wednesday night, according to Tavares Police Department. A TPD officer was parked in the parking lot of the Tavares Recreational Park (TRP) boat ramp off U.S. Highway 441 and witnessed a 2007 Harley-Davidson with two riders appear to lose control near the entrance shortly before midnight, Courtney Sullivan, TPD Public Information Officer, told Inside Lake. Gerald Hoffman, 48, was pronounced deceased on the scene and Laura Hoffman, 47, was transported to a local trauma center and suffered minor injuries. Neither rider was wearing a helmet

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Astatula Man Killed Tuesday Night While Walking on U.S. Highway 441 in Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida—An Astatula man was killed Tuesday night when he entered the northbound outside lane of U.S. Highway 441/Orange Blossom Trail, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 62-year-old man was walking in a westerly direction and entered the northbound lane of U.S. Highway 441/Orange Blossom Trail near Stoneybrook Hills Parkway around 11:30 p.m., Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said in a press release. The man, who was not in a marked crosswalk, was struck by a van being driven by a 62-year-old Altamonte Springs woman; he suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the

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Late Night Crash Kills Bicyclist

SORRENTO, Florida—An Apopka man was killed Friday night after he rode his bicycle into the path of a pickup truck Friday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 10:30 p.m., a 28-year-old Apopka man was driving a 2006 Ford F-150 westbound on State Road 46 east of Deal Drive when a westbound bicyclist, a 36-year-old Apopka man, began traveling southwest and entered the direct path of the truck, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The bicyclist was pronounced deceased on the scene and the pickup driver and his passenger, a 2-year-old boy, were not injured,

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Tragic Crash Claims Lives of Mascotte Mom and Baby Monday

SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—A Mascotte mom and her 7-month-old daughter were tragically killed Monday morning after the mom ran a stop sign, struck a car and then a tractor-trailer, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just before 9:15 a.m., the Mascotte mom was driving a sedan eastbound on County Road 476 in Sumter County when she ran a stop sign at the intersection of State Road 471 and struck another sedan being driven by a 32-year-old Mascotte woman. The second sedan rotated and came to a stop on the west shoulder of State Road 471. The woman driving the second sedan

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Rollover Crash Kills Eustis Man Friday Morning

UMATILLA, Florida—A rollover crash killed a Eustis man just before daylight Friday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 41-year-old man was driving a 1997 Chevy GMT-400 northbound on State Road 19 near Baker Road just outside of Umatilla, when he lost control for an unknown reason while negotiating a lefthand curve around 6:35 a.m., FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The Eustis man overcorrected, causing the truck to overturn multiple times and come to a final rest on the west shoulder of State Road 19, Crescenzi said. He was pronounced deceased on the scene. The

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Leesburg Crash Claims Life of Motorcyclist Sunday Night

LEESBURG, Florida—Leesburg Police Department is investigating a crash that killed a Crystal River man Sunday night. Shortly after 8:15 p.m. Sunday, LPD responded to a crash between a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a Kia SUV near State Road 44 and Euclid Street, LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi said in a press release. According to the preliminary investigation, Rodney J. Balderas, 41, of Crystal River was westbound on a black 2013 Harley-Davidson when he collided with a 2016 black Kia SUV being driven by John R. O’Steen, 73, of Leesburg. Balderas was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his

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Late Night Head-On Crash Kills Eustis Man and Altoona Woman Saturday

TAVARES, Florida—Two people are dead following a head-crash on a busy Tavares Road Saturday night. Shortly before 10:45 pm. Tavares Police Department responded to a report of a crash near County Road 561 and Lona Street. According to witnesses and evidence on scene, a 2019 black Nissan Sentra being driven by Scott Alexander Sawyer, 29, of Eustis, was speeding northbound on County Road 561 and attempted to pass vehicles on a double yellow line. He struck a 2008 gray Mazda Tribute head-on being driven southbound by Lindsay Marie Baker, 26, of Altoona, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside

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Mount Dora Man Killed in Marion County Crash

MARION COUNTY, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a 41-year-old Mount Dora man near Ocala Saturday afternoon.  The man was driving a pickup truck at a high rate of speed southbound on U.S. Highway 441 approaching Northwest 77th Street, when he failed to slow and rear-ended a tractor-trailer, just after 3:15 p.m. Saturday, troopers said. The Mount Dora man was trapped inside the truck and later pronounced deceased on the scene by Marion County Fire Rescue. The driver of the tractor-trailer, a 32-year-old Jacksonville woman, suffered minor injuries, according to FHP.

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Rear-End Crash Kills Unidentified Woman on Florida’s Turnpike Early Friday Morning

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Florida—A fatal crash shut down the southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike at mile marker 285 in the Howey-in-the Hills area for nearly nine hours Friday morning, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tara Crescenzi. Shortly before 3 a.m. Friday, a 2018 Kia Sorrento was traveling southbound in the inside lane and rear-ended a 2003 Buick Century, killing the woman driving the Buick. The driver of the Kia, a 39-year-old Orlando man, was transported to South Lake Hospital in Clermont with serious injuries and is in stable condition. The woman was pronounced dead on the scene and troopers are awaiting

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Fatal Crash Shuts Down Southbound Lanes of Turnpike Friday Morning

Update 11:54 a.m.: The southbound lanes have been reopened. The on-ramp from U.S. Highway 27 to Florida’s Turnpike remains closed. HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Florida—A fatal crash has shut down the southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike at mile marker 285 in the Howey-in-the Hills area, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tara Crescenzi. Shortly before 3 a.m. Friday, a 2018 Kia Sorrento rear-ended a 2003 Buick Century, killing the woman driving the Buick. The woman had not been identified at press time. The driver of the Kia, a 39-year-old Orlando man, was transported to South Lake Hospital in Clermont with serious injuries. He

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Troopers Identify Pedestrian Killed in Sumter County Crash Saturday

SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol has identified a pedestrian killed on County Road 470 Saturday night. Troopers were unable to identify the man following the crash and released a photo of his tattoo Sunday. He has now been identified as a 25-year-old Bushnell man, according to FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins. A 42-year-old Bartow woman was driving an SUV westbound on County Road 470, west of County Road 533, around 11:30 p.m. Saturday when the man walked into the path of the SUV, Gaskins said in a press release. The man was transported to a local hospital where he died

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Eustis Crash Kills Ohio Man Saturday Night, Mount Dora Man Airlifted

EUSTIS, Florida—A man has died following a crash that shut down U.S. Highway 441 near the Eustis/Tavares line Saturday night. Only Inside Lake was on scene of the crash at U.S. Highway 441 and Dillard Road that occurred shortly before 8:30 p.m. Saturday. After receiving a 9-1-1 call, Eustis Police Department arrived at the scene and found two heavily-damaged vehicles, a grey 2001 Jeep SUV and red 2020 Chevrolet Corvette that were approximately 150 feet away from each other. Police are investigating a motorcycle’s possible involvement in the crash, EPD Chief Craig Capri said. The crash shut down U.S. Highway

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Troopers Seeking Assistance with Identifying Pedestrian Killed In Sumter County Crash

SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is seeking assistance in identifying a male who was killed on County Road 470 in Sumter County Saturday night. A 42-year-old Bartow woman was driving an SUV westbound on County Road 470, west of County Road 533, around 11:30 p.m. Saturday when a male walked into the path of the SUV, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said in a press release. The male was struck by the SUV transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. The Bartow woman and her passenger, a 42-yeqar-old Haines City man, were not injured. FHP has

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Pedestrian Killed Saturday Night, Southbound Lanes of SR 429 Shut Down

Update: It was later determined the incident occurred in the city limits of Apopka and Apopka Police Department took over the investigation. ORANGE COUNTY, Florida—The southbound lanes of State Road 429 near Plymouth-Sorrento Road are shut down while the Florida Highway Patrol investigates a pedestrian fatality, FHP. Lt. Channing Taylor said. Just before 10:30 p.m. Saturday, the pedestrian was struck by at least one vehicle and possibly multiple vehicles, Taylor said. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on the scene. No other information was available. MAP: Florida Highway Patrol

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13-year-old Boy Killed in Tragic Bicycle Crash Identified, Family Sets Up Fund for Funeral Expenses

ALTOONA, Florida—The teenage boy tragically killed Thursday afternoon on State Road 19 has been identified on social media by his family. Dylan Kelley, 13, was riding his bicycle southbound on the paved shoulder of State Road 19 when he veered into the path of a Ford F-250 for an unknown reason near Shockley Trail Road and his home in Altoona, shortly after 5 p.m. He was pronounced deceased on the scene, Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Channing Taylor said Thursday. Dylan, described as outgoing and loving, always took care of his family, a post on a gofundme account states. Dylan’s family

13-year-old Boy Killed in Tragic Bicycle Crash Identified, Family Sets Up Fund for Funeral Expenses Read More »

Teen Riding Bicycle Killed in Altoona Thursday

ALTOONA, Florida—A 13-year-old Altoona boy was killed Thursday afternoon when the bicycle he was riding veered into the path of a truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The boy was riding his bicycle southbound on the paved shoulder of State Road 19 when he veered into the path of a white Ford F-250 also traveling southbound on State Road 19 at 5:10 p.m. near Shockley Trail Road, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in a press release. The teen was pronounced deceased on the scene. The 33-year-old Oxford man driving the truck was not injured and remained on scene, Taylor

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Umatilla Man Arrested for DUI Manslaughter in Death of Sorrento Woman Last Year

EUSTIS, Florida—A Umatilla man has been arrested for the April 2022 death of a Sorrento woman who was killed in a motorcycle crash in Eustis less than two weeks after her 28th birthday.   Edgar Wesley Tello, 65, had an alcohol level of .017—more than twice the legal limit at the time of the crash, according to medical records subpoenaed by Eustis Police Department following the crash. On April 24, 2022 Rebekah Jo Towner, 28, was a passenger on 2006 Harley Davidson being controlled by Tello, northbound on Grove Street, when he struck a curb, rode on the grass and

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Early Morning Clermont Head-on Collision Kills Man, 35

CLERMONT, Florida—A Miami Beach man was killed when the SUV he was driving crashed head-on into an RV early Sunday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 35-year-old man was driving a grey Mitsubishi SUV westbound on County Road 474 when he made a wide right turn on State Road 33, and crossed the center line, striking an RV head-on in unincorporated Clermont just after 3 a.m. Sunday, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in a press release. The Miami Beach man was pronounced dead on the scene by Lake County Fire Rescue, Taylor said. The driver of the RV,

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Collision with Golf Cart Kills Villages Bicyclist in Sumter County

SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—An 80-year-old bicyclist was killed after a golf cart turned into his path Friday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The Villages man was riding his bicycle westbound on the Hillsborough Trail shortly before 8:30 a.m. when a golf cart being driven by a 69-year-old woman of Rochester, New York, turned left at the intersection of Ichabod Way, directly in his path. The golf cart driver was unable to see the man due to the glare of the early morning sun, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said in a press release. The bicyclist struck the golf cart, was

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Leesburg Police Department and U.S. Marshals Search Home Tuesday Morning for Missing Suspect, Nobody Home

LEESBURG, Florida—Leesburg Police Department and the U.S Marshals served a search warrant Tuesday morning in their quest to find a man who left court last week in the middle of his trial, but came up empty, LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi told Inside Lake. LPD and the U.S. Marshals searched the home on East Street, near Dixie Avenue, but nobody was home, Iozzi said.  The scene caused a commotion and garnered several posts on popular Facebook word of mouth groups Tuesday morning. “The (U.S.) Marshals task force acquired a search warrant for the house,” Iozzi said in a text. Zachery Maurice

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Ocala Woman Killed in Early Morning Leesburg Crash  

LEESBURG, Florida—An Ocala woman was killed early Monday morning when the car she was riding in crashed into a pole, according to Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi. Around 12:45 a.m. Monday, LPD responded to a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and U.S. Highway 441. Police believe Enock Sulfa, 40, of Ocala was traveling north on U.S. Highway 27 in a 2012 Hyundai when he lost control and struck a power pole, Iozzi said. Sulfa, and his passengers, Larousse Telfort, 64, and Maria Seraphin-Telfort, 66, both of Ocala, were transported to UF Health Leesburg, where Seraphin-Telfort succumbed

Ocala Woman Killed in Early Morning Leesburg Crash   Read More »

Motorcyclist Killed in Head-On Crash, Paisley Woman Airlifted Thursday

PAISLEY, Florida—A Daytona Beach man was killed Thursday afternoon when the motorcycle he was riding drifted into oncoming traffic and struck a car head-on, seriously injuring a Paisley woman, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 72-year-old man was riding a 2007 Harley-Davidson eastbound on County Road 42 west of 4th Street when he entered the westbound lane and struck a 2017 Hyundai Veloster being driven by a 23-year-old woman shortly before 2 p.m. The impact caused the Hyundai to run off the road and strike several trees, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The motorcycle rider

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Man Accused of Killing Family in 2019 DUI Christmas Eve Crash Leaves Trial for Lunch and Never Comes Back, Found Guilty in Absentia

TAVARES, Florida—A man on trial this week for killing three members of the same family on Christmas Eve 2019 is on the run after leaving his trial during a lunch break and never coming back—and was convicted the same day, according to Lake County Clerk of Court docket information. Zachery Maurice Waldo, 36, is accused of killing Christopher Smith, 44, his wife, Jessica Smith,35, and their daughter Hailey Smith, 13, all of Eustis. Their son Hunter, just 11 years old, was the sole survivor in the vehicle his family was riding in. Christopher and Jessica died on the scene of

Man Accused of Killing Family in 2019 DUI Christmas Eve Crash Leaves Trial for Lunch and Never Comes Back, Found Guilty in Absentia Read More »

FHP: Suspect Fleeing Lady Lake Police Crashes Into SUV, Sends Woman, 2 Teens to the Hospital

FRUITLAND PARK, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol has released information on the crash that killed a suspect and sent three people to the hospital Saturday afternoon. A 35-year-old Orlando man driving a black Hyundai Elantra fled Lady Lake Police Department just after 4 p.m. Saturday and “due to its recklessness and speeds Lady Lake PD lost sight of (the car,) FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said. The Hyundai continued to drive recklessly and began driving southbound in the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 27/441 near 466A in Fruitland Park. The Hyundai struck a silver Kia Sportage being driven by a 43-year-old woman

FHP: Suspect Fleeing Lady Lake Police Crashes Into SUV, Sends Woman, 2 Teens to the Hospital Read More »

Man, 21, Killed in ATV Crash

LEESBURG, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating an ATV crash that killed a Leesburg man Saturday afternoon. The 21-year-old man struck a pole while riding an ATV around 5:15 p.m. and was pronounced dead on the scene at Veech Road and Pruitt Street near Leesburg, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in a press release. It is unknown if the man was riding the ATV on the roadway, or if he was wearing a helmet. There was no other information available at press time because FHP’s traffic homicide investigator was sent to additional fatal crashes that occurred soon after the ATV

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Suspect Flees Lady Lake Police Wrong Way Down U.S. 27, Crashes into Vehicle, Suspect Dead, 3 Airlifted

FRUITLAND Park, Florida—A theft suspect is dead after fleeing from Lady Lake Police Department Saturday afternoon, crashing into an unsuspecting vehicle and sending three people to the hospital, according to Fruitland Park Police Chief Erik Luce.    FPPD was notified that Lady Lake Police Department was pursuing a vehicle into the city limits of Fruitland Park after a LLPD officer stated on the radio a suspect attempted to use their vehicle to run into an officer, Luce said in a press release. The officer was investigating a theft at Home Depot, 871 U.S. Highway 27, Lady Lake when the incident

Suspect Flees Lady Lake Police Wrong Way Down U.S. 27, Crashes into Vehicle, Suspect Dead, 3 Airlifted Read More »

2 Killed in 6-Vehicle Crash on Turnpike Friday Morning

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Florida—The crash that shut down the southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike most of the day Friday resulted in the deaths of two people, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. At 7:15 a.m. Friday, a 2020 Toyota Corolla being driven by a 23-year-old Tallahassee woman was traveling southbound on Florida’s Turnpike in the inside lane near mile marker 286 when she failed to stop for traffic ahead. She rear-ended a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox being driven by a 69-year-old Ocala man. The Chevrolet left the roadway and the right rear of the Chevrolet struck the left rear of a 2014 Jeep

2 Killed in 6-Vehicle Crash on Turnpike Friday Morning Read More »

Pedestrian Killed on CR 473 Near Leesburg Late Thursday Night

LEESBURG, Florida—A 41-year-old Groveland man was killed Thursday night while walking in the southbound lane of County Road 473 near Lake Drive, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tara Crescenzi. Shortly after 10:30 p.m., a 2012 GMC Acadia being driven by a 38-year-old Leesburg man was traveling southbound on County Road 473 when it struck the Groveland man, killing him. The Leesburg man told troopers he did not see the man walking in his lane, Crescenzi said in a press release. The Groveland man was pronounced deceased on the scene and the Leesburg man suffered minor injuries. The crash remains

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FHP: Multivehicle Crash Kills 2, Shuts Down Southbound Turnpike Lanes, Delays Expected for Hours

LEESBURG, Florida—Two people are dead following a multivehicle crash that shut down the southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Channing Taylor. The crash involves four passenger vehicles and two tractor-trailers and two people were pronounced dead at the scene, Taylor said. Southbound traffic is being diverted at mile marker 289 and travelers should expect heavy traffic and delays for several hours, according to Taylor.

FHP: Multivehicle Crash Kills 2, Shuts Down Southbound Turnpike Lanes, Delays Expected for Hours Read More »

Polk County Detention Deputy Killed in Groveland Crash Wednesday

GROVELAND, Florida—The young man killed in the head-on crash with a semi on State Road 33 in Groveland Wednesday has been identified as a Polk County detention deputy, by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO.) Drake Sawyer Perry, 22, of Ocoee, was driving a 2014 Mazda 3 northbound on State Road 33 near Double H Lane when he veered into the southbound lane and struck a 2014 Volvo semi-truck head-on being driven by a 32-year-old man from Duluth, Georgia at 11:20 a.m. Wednesday. The semi then hit the rear left of a 2018 Hyundai Elantra, being driven by a 34-year-old

Polk County Detention Deputy Killed in Groveland Crash Wednesday Read More »

Leesburg Man Loses Control of SUV on Interstate 75, Dies in Pasco County Crash

PASCO COUNTY, Florida—A Leesburg man was killed and his passenger seriously injured, after he lost control of the SUV he was driving on Interstate 75 Sunday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 75-year-old man was driving northbound on Interstate 75, near mile marker 279, when he lost control, left the roadway, struck a fence and collided with a tree shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said in a press release. The Leesburg man suffered fatal injuries, and his passenger, a 73-year-old woman, also of Leesburg, suffered serious injuries. Her condition was unknown at press time.  

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Sorrento Woman Killed, Eustis Man Seriously Injured in Volusia County Crash

De LEON SPRINGS— A Sorrento woman was killed Thursday afternoon after the car she was riding in rear-ended a Ford F-350 on U.S. Highway 17 in Volusia County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 2013 Hyundai Elantra being driven by a 41-year-old Eustis man, was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 17 approaching West Davis Street near De Leon Springs in Volusia County, when he failed to slow for a Ford F-350 pickup truck shortly after 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The Hyundai rear-ended the Ford, seriously injuring the Eustis man. His passenger, a 40-year-old woman from Sorrento, was transported to AdventHealth

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INSIDE LAKE EXCLUSIVE: Daughter of Local Musician Killed in Crash Last Summer and Crash Survivor Tell Their Story Only to Inside Lake

MOUNT DORA, Florida—It has been nearly six months since Emily Lowe got the call that changed her life. In the early morning hours of July 23, 2022, Lowe’s father, beloved local musician Robert Wilson was attempting to push his minivan off a curb on Old U.S. Highway 441 across from Dairy Queen in Mount Dora when good Samaritan Michael Dickey saw him and stopped to help. “I thought, man, somebody is going to hit him,” Dickey told Inside Lake earlier this week, “and I’ll be damned if what I thought happened.”   Wilson’s tire was stuck on the curb and

INSIDE LAKE EXCLUSIVE: Daughter of Local Musician Killed in Crash Last Summer and Crash Survivor Tell Their Story Only to Inside Lake Read More »

Oviedo Man Killed in SR 46 Crash Sunday Night

SORRENTO, Florida—A 23-year-old Oviedo man was killed Sunday night after he ran off State Road 46, struck a fence and collided with a bridge support, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was driving a Ford F-450 eastbound on State Road 46, east of State Road 453 around 7:35 p.m. Sunday, when he ran off the road for an unknown reason, struck a fence, continued on and struck a bridge support, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The man was entrapped, and Lake County Fire Rescue and Mount Dora Fire Department responded to assist, sources told

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BREAKING NEWS: FHP Investigating Fatal Crash on SR 46

SORRENTO, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol in investigating a fatal crash on State Road 46 at State Road 453 in Sorrento, sources told Inside Lake Sunday night. Sources said a box truck hit a guardrail and the driver became entrapped and was pronounced dead on the scene just after 7: 45 p.m. Sunday. FHP, Lake County Fire Rescue and Mount Dora Fire Department all responded to the scene. According to FHP’s website there is no roadblock in the area. This is a breaking story.

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Leesburg Man Flees Sumter County Crash that Killed Motorcyclist Thursday Night, Arrested a Few Miles Away

SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—A Leesburg man is being held in the Sumter County Jail after fleeing a crash that killed a Kissimmee motorcyclist, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Lloyd Douglas Walters, 59, was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee westbound on State Road 44 in the left turn lane near County Road 171 while a 51-year-old Kissimmee man riding a Suzuki motorcycle was traveling westbound on State Road 44 in the inside lane at 7:25 p.m. Thursday. Walters changed lanes and collided with the motorcycle, ejecting its rider. The motorcyclist was taken to a local hospital where he later succumbed to

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Leesburg Motorcyclist Killed Thursday Night, Police Say

LEESBURG, Florida—A 30-year-old Leesburg man was killed late Thursday night after he struck the back of an SUV, according to Leesburg Police Department Capt. Joe Iozzi. James B. Freeze was riding a blue 2007 Yamaha YZF-R6 motorcycle southbound in the 10400 block of U.S. Highway 441, when he struck the back of a white 2020 Lexus GX being driven by Meredith K. Nettles, 44, of Pensacola shortly before 10:30 p.m. Nettles had just made a U-turn prior to the crash, Iozzi said in a press release. Freeze was pronounced dead on the scene. “The crash remains under investigation, though it

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Elderly Woman Struck by 2 Vehicles and Killed Christmas Night, Leesburg Police Say

LEESBURG, Florida—An 80-year-old woman was struck by two vehicles and killed Christmas night as she attempted to cross busy State Road 44, also known as Dixie Avenue in Leesburg, according to Leesburg Police Department Capt. Joe Iozzi. Gladys Lopez was found deceased in the roadway when LPD responded to a crash at Dixie Avenue and Euclid Avenue around 7:45 p.m. Sunday, Iozzi said. The intersection is a just about a mile from UF Health Leesburg Hospital. “The preliminary investigation indicates Ms. Lopez was struck by two vehicles as she was attempting to cross State Road 44/Dixie Avenue,” Iozzi said in

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Leesburg Woman, 22, Dies from Injuries She Suffered In Sumter County Crash Monday

SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—A 22-year-old Leesburg woman has succumbed to injuries she suffered from a three-vehicle crash in Sumter County Monday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 10 p.m. Monday, the woman was a passenger in a sedan being driven by a 27-year-old Wildwood man when the sedan was struck by another sedan being driven by an 18-year-old Leesburg man who ran a red light at the intersection of County Road 466 and Buena Vista Boulevard, according to FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins.   Both sedans rotated and collided with a traffic sign support and the second sedan collided with

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Eustis Man Killed in Orange County Head-On Collision

APOPKA, Florida—A Eustis man was killed Saturday night after the 2000 Ford Focus he was driving was struck head-on by a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 38-year-old Apopka man was driving the Ram eastbound on South Binion Road, also known as County Road 437, near Sheaf Road when he failed to maintain his lane entered the westbound lane and struck the Focus being driven by a 65-year-old Eustis man, shortly before 9 p.m. Saturday, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The impact caused the Ram to overturn on its right side and the driver was

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Villages Man Dead, Teen Ejected and Seriously Injured in SR 44 Crash Saturday Afternoon

EUSTIS, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed an elderly man and seriously injured a teenager Saturday afternoon. The 73-year-old Villages man was traveling southbound in a 2021 Honda CRV on State Road 44 near Rory Lane in unincorporated Eustis just before 2 p.m. Saturday when he attempted to make a U-turn and entered the direct path of 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe also traveling southbound. The front of the Tahoe struck the left side of the CRV, according to FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi. The impact ejected the Tahoe’s passenger, a 19-year-old male from Eustis; he was not wearing

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Suspect Who Fled Crash that Killed Teen Confessed to FHP, According to Report

MONTVERDE, Florida—The man who hit a high school freshman earlier this week was found by his boss using a tracking device and turned over to the Florida Highway Patrol, along with the two occupants who were in the car with him, and the driver confessed to the crime, according to a report. Owen Wells, 14, a ninth grader at Lake Minneola High School, was killed around 6:20 a.m. Thursday on County Road 455 near Willo Pines Lane when he was struck by a Pontiac G6 being driven by Enrique Ramirez, 57, of Winter Garden. The impact threw the teen into

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Account Created to Support Family of High School Student Tragically Killed Thursday

MONTVERDE, Florida—A GoFundMe has been created to help provide financial support to the family of  the Lake Minneola High School freshman who was tragically killed in a hit and run crash Thursday. The account, created by family friend Derek Kelley, describes 14-year-old Owen Wells as “always smiling” and “always on some adventure” “Owen had a love of God and a love of life,” Kelley wrote. “Owen had a deep love for his parents. And definitely loved the occasional harassment of his two younger brothers. The funds collected are slated to pay for Owen’s funeral expenses and to give Owen’s parents,

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FHP Arrests Man in Hit and Run Death of Teenager

TAVARES, Florida—The man accused of hitting a Lake Minneola High School freshman and leaving the scene shortly before daybreak Thursday has been arrested, the Florida Highway Patrol said Thursday night. Enrique Ramirez, 57, of Winter Garden was arrested by FHP for leaving the scene of a crash involving death, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The boy, whose name was not released, was walking across the lanes of County Road 455 near Willow Pines Lane just before 6:30 a.m. Thursday when he entered the path of a 2007 Pontiac G6 being driven by Ramirez and was struck by the front left

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