Bradenton man, 2 others die in Sarasota crash

SARASOTA -- A Bradenton man and two other men from Sarasota were killed in a crash early Monday in Sarasota, according to the Sarasota Police Department.

The victims were identified as Dane W. Custer, 21, of Bradenton; Wesley C. McCurley, 21, of Sarasota; and Michael P. Duffy, of Sarasota 21.

McCurley was driving the 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis, police said.

A fourth person was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and was expected to survive, police said. It was the survivor's 21st birthday on Monday.

The crash happened about 3 a.m. near the intersection of Old Bradenton Road and DeSoto Road in Sarasota, according to a release. Genevieve Judge, spokeswoman for the Sarasota Police Department, said the car was westbound when it hit the curb of the median, followed by a few trees. Pictures show the car had split in half.

"We believe the vehicle was traveling at a high rate

of speed," Judge said.

Judge said they currently do not know what caused the crash.

"It's unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were a factor," Judge said.

Judge explained the toxicology reports to show blood alcohol content levels could take weeks, but officers were hoping to speak with the survivor at the hospital. She said she's not sure what the extent of his injuries are or whether he is conscious.

There is no video of the crash available.

Custer studied music production and communication at Quincy University in Illinois, according to his Facebook page. He also went to high school in Illinois and moved to Bradenton in February 2015. He has no criminal record in Manatee County.

This story was originally published March 21, 2016 at 11:40 PM with the headline "Bradenton man, 2 others die in Sarasota crash ."