Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) continues to investigate a three-car crash on State Road 50, west of Ponchos Lane on Friday night that left one person dead and two others seriously injured.
According to troopers, a 1996 Honda Prelude, driven by Calvin Williams, 33, of Christmas was traveling eastbound in the left lane on SR 50, west of Ponchos Lane in Orange County.
A 2008 Hyundai SUV, driven by Catherine Petersen, 50, of Winter Springs, traveling westbound on SR 50, for some unknown reason, ended up in the eastbound, inside lane of SR 50. The front of Petersen’s vehicle struck the front of Williams’ Honda.
Troopers say that following the collusion, Petersen’s Honda rotated clockwise with the rear ending up in the air and landing on a third vehicle, a 1999 Ford Escort driven by Jeffrey Rory Ellen, 42, of Cocoa. Ellen was also traveling eastbound on SR 50 in the right lane.
Ellen’s Ford Escort came to a final rest facing east on SR 50 in the outside lane. Petersen’s Hyundai came to a final rest facing north, with the rear of the vehicle on top of the Ford Escort’s front end and roof.
Williams was taken to the Florida Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was not wearing a seat belt.
Petersen was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. Ellen, who suffered serious injuries as a result of the crash, was taken to the Parrish Medical Center. Both drivers were wearing seat belts.
Tests to determine whether alcohol played a role on Petersen’s part is pending. Alcohol was not found to be present in relation to Ellen.
Troopers say that charges are pending.
