On August 22, 2023, around 2:22pm, the Tarpon Springs Police Officers responded to a two-vehicle collision on U.S. Hwy 19 north, near Anderson Park. Upon arrival, they discovered a blue Toyota Pick-up truck traveling northbound on U.S. Hwy 19 had been hit on the driver’s side front end by a white Toyota. The white Toyota was traveling south on U.S. Hwy 19 and attempting to turn in front of Anderson Park.
The impact caused the white Toyota to flip, while the blue Toyota continued and collided with a concrete power pole. Both drivers were trapped in their respective vehicles and required extrication.
The driver of the blue Toyota, a 17-year-old male from Tarpon Springs, was taken to All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg in stable condition. Unfortunately, the 79-year-old male driver of the white Toyota, also from Tarpon Springs, was pronounced deceased at Advent Health of North Pinellas around 4:09pm.
At present, next of kin has not been notified. A dog in the white Toyota was also found deceased upon officers’ arrival.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and individuals with information are urged to contact Officer Lee Palmer or Steve Gassen at 727-938-2849.