FHP is currently investigating a crash that occurred at approximately 4:28 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2020 in the northbound lanes of I-275 near 5th Avenue N.
An officer from Clearwater Police along with an officer from the St. Petersburg rolled up on the crash. They reported the occupant in the overturned vehicle was ejected and not responsive.
Paramedics from St. Petersburg Fire Rescue arrived and declared the occupant deceased.
Troopers report that 31 year-old Nicholas Pelak of Allentown, Pennsylvania was traveling westbound on the I-375 entrance ramp to northbound I-275.
For an unknown reason, Pelak lost control of his 2003 Kia Sorento and overturned. As the vehicle overturned, it collided with a 2018 Audi Q7 that was traveling northbound on I-275 driven by a 69 year-old woman from Palmetto, Florida.
Pelak, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, was ejected from the vehicle that came to rest on the inside shoulder of the interstate.
The driver of the Audi was not injured in the crash.
The cause of the crash is unknown as the investigation continues.
Friends have planned a Sarasota Memorial Flow Jam *In Honor of Nicholas Pelak*https://www.facebook.com/events/s/sarasota-memorial-flow-jam-in-/211239579916446/