2 killed in four-vehicle crash that shut down I-75 for hours Friday night, FHP says

A fatal four-vehicle crash snarled traffic for several hours along Interstate-75 Friday night, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

The accident left northbound lanes of the highway blocked at Exit 205/Clark Road from about 4:20 p.m. to 11:13 p.m. Two people were killed in the wreck, troopers said.

According to a crash report, the wreck was caused by a 31-year-old driver who failed to adjust for traffic slowing down in front of him while heading north in the center lane on I-75. Troopers said his 2007 GMC Yukon struck the back of a car driven by 35-year-old Nakesha Mitchell, of Fort Myers, while traveling at a high rate of speed.

After the impact, Mitchell’s 2018 Nissan Altima veered to the right, striking the left rear of a 2012 Infiniti G37 in the right lane. After that impact, her car continued off the roadway and into the right guardrail. Mitchell and one of her passengers, 24-year-old Deshondra Gary, died as a result of the crash, according to FHP. Another passenger is in critical condition.

Troopers said the Yukon also struck the rear of a 2012 Toyota Rav4 that was driving in the center lane ahead of Mitchell. The Rav4 veered left off the roadway and into the median after the impact. According to FHP, the Rav4 was also struck on its right side by the G37 that traveled from the right lane into the center median, as well.

The other drivers and passengers in the four-vehicle crash sustained minor injuries.

Skid marks were found in all three lanes, troopers said. The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

This story was originally published November 16, 2018 at 5:18 PM.