The parents of a 1-year-old child were killed in a single vehicle crash Friday night on County Road 42 in Lake County, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said.
Danielle Pearson, 22, of Paisley, and mother of 1-year-old Natalie Perkins, died on the spot when the vehicle in which she was traveling overturned on County Road 42 east of Fullerville Road. Pearson, was also 8-months pregnant, troopers said.
Natalie’s father, 21-year-old Walter Perkins, the driver of the 2000 Ford Focus, was transported to the Florida Hospital in Deland, where he subsequently was pronounced dead.
Troopers said Perkins was heading east on County Road 42, when for an unknown reason, he entered the south shoulder, crossed over both lanes and on to the north shoulder. The vehicle then overturned before striking a power pole which was supporting 3 large power transformers.
Natalie suffered minor injuries and was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital.
21-year-old Timothy Gunter, of Paisley, a passenger also suffered minor injuries and was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC).
Another passenger, Toni Rodgers, 17 years, sustained serious injuries and was also taken to ORMC.
Troopers said, except for 1-year-old Natalie who was restrained in a car seat, no one in the vehicle was wearing a seat belt.
The crash remains under investigation.
