A 15-year-old passenger was killed and another teen was seriously injured early Sunday morning after a vehicle fleeing a Florida Highway Patrol trooper crashed along State Road 54 in Pasco County.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident began at approximately 3:45 a.m. on July 26, 2026, when a trooper observed a Chevrolet Traverse traveling 74 mph in a posted 45 mph zone while heading eastbound on SR-54.
When the trooper attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to stop and accelerated, reaching speeds of approximately 115 mph during the pursuit.
Just east of Old County Road 54, the trooper successfully executed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, causing the SUV to rotate onto the south shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle then struck a utility pole before colliding with a tree.
Both occupants, identified as 15-year-old males from New Port Richey, were not wearing seat belts and were found to be in possession of alcoholic beverages, according to FHP.
Both teens suffered serious injuries and were transported to an area hospital. The passenger later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver remains hospitalized with serious injuries. Troopers said criminal charges are pending as the investigation continues.
State Road 54 remained closed for several hours while investigators processed the scene before reopening at approximately 1:00 p.m. Sunday.