4 days ago
‘We are grieving': Several Citrus High School students involved in deadly crash, officials say
INVERNESS, Fla. (WFLA) — The Inverness community is devastated by a tragic accident that involved several Citrus High School students, according to a statement sent out by the school Wednesday.
The school said the crash resulted in the death of one of its students and has left many students, families and staff hurting.
Fiery Florida crash leaves 1 teen dead, 3 injured; 17-year-old charged
'We are grieving alongside them,' the high school's statement said. 'We ask our community to keep everyone impacted in your thoughts and prayers as we work together to support our Hurricanes through this difficult time.'
While the school did not name the students, the Florida Highway Patrol reported on Tuesday four teens, ages 13, 15, 16, and 17, were involved in a fiery crash while traveling south on I-75 in Sumter County.
All four teens suffered injuries in the crash and were taken to local hospitals, where one, a 16-year-old, later died.
Troopers said the 17-year-old driver, from Inverness, was traveling at a 'high rate of speed' when he tried to overtake slower traffic, swerved off the road to avoid a collision and hit a tree.
The Dodge Charger erupted in flames, and the driver then got out, removed the license plate and took off on foot, authorities said.
Investigators tracked the teen driver to a chicken coop on a nearby property and took him into custody. He was charged with multiple felonies, including vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
Citrus High School said counseling and support services are being made available on campus for any student or staff member who needs them.
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