The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) is investigating a fatal crash. The crash occurred shortly after 10 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021.
According to investigators, a 2021 red scooter operated by 29 year-old Joseph Mazza II was travelling southbound on Park Street in the right lane. Mazza changed lanes and struck a boat trailer that passed him being towed by 43 year-old Adem Kljajic. Kljajic was operating a 2019 Chevy Equinox towing a 2005 boat trailer with an 18 foot vessel attached. The impact caused Mazza to fall from the scooter and land in the left lane. Kljajic and other witnesses stopped their vehicles to assist and occupied the left lane.
Deputies say a witness, 62 year-old Michelle Lessl entered the roadway to assist with the crash. A witness observed a 2000 Buick Century travelling southbound towards the crash scene and they attempted to get the vehicle’s attention. The Buick, driven by 64 year-old Susan Shelton, changed lanes to pass the crash and struck Lessl, who was straddling the left and right lanes.
Mazza was transported to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg with serious but non-life threatening injuries while the driver of the vehicle he struck, Adem Kljajic, was not injured. Susan Shelton, the driver of the Buick, was not injured, and Lessl was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash, according to investigators.
All southbound lanes of Park Street remained closed at 84th Lane N. during the crash investigation.