SEMINOLE — Detectives with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that claimed the life of an 85-year-old driver Monday evening in Seminole.
According to investigators, the crash occurred at approximately 6:02 p.m. on July 13, 2026, on Seminole Boulevard at 50th Avenue North.
Deputies say an 18-year-old St. Petersburg woman was driving a 2021 Genesis GV80 southbound in the center lane of Seminole Boulevard as she approached 50th Avenue North.
At the same time, 85-year-old James Crane III of St. Petersburg was driving a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser northbound and was in the left-turn lane attempting to turn west onto 50th Avenue North. Investigators say Crane failed to yield to oncoming traffic and turned into the path of the Genesis, causing a violent collision that heavily damaged the passenger side of the PT Cruiser.
Crane was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:33 p.m.
His passenger, 20-year-old Dacosta Crane, suffered life-threatening injuries and remains on life support at an area hospital.
The driver of the Genesis was medically evaluated at the scene and was not injured in the crash.
According to investigators, neither impairment nor speed appears to have been a factor in the collision. There was a thunderstorm approaching the area just prior to the crash.
Next of kin have been notified.
The investigation remains ongoing.