The four teens injured while traveling in a 2004 Nissan Maxima on southbound I-75 north of the Gibsonton Drive. At about 12:34 AM on Tuesday, January 17, 2017, it is reported that the Nissan passed a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Trooper traveling in an unmarked vehicle at speeds approaching 130 MPH with no headlights.
According to FHP, the Trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle that then began to exit at Gibsonton Drive. Once on the exit ramp, the driver, 18 year-old Tyler Wilkinson of Lithia, lost control of the vehicle which left the roadway and overturned multiple times. It came to rest after striking the tree line and a utility pole.
Wilkinson and 19 year-old Keeley Faircloth of Riverview were both ejected from the vehicle during the crash and transported to Tampa General Hospital with serious injuries.
The other two passengers, 18 year-old Michael Osborne of Riverview and 17 year-old Amanda Bohn of Riverview experienced injuries being classified as minor according to investigators.
FHP closed the exit ramp during the scene investigation which lasted until about 3 AM. During the investigation, Troopers located alcoholic beverages and marijuana within the vehicle.
The investigation continues and charges are pending.