A 44-year-old Crystal River man died when a semi-truck hit his Kia on Monday night, around 10:30 p.m., at the intersection of Northeast U.S. 19 and Northeast State Road 44 in Crystal River, Citrus County.
The victim, identified as John Smith, was driving his Kia in the eastbound lane when a semi-truck, driven by 57-year-old William Johnson of Ocala, collided with him. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles, and Smith was pronounced dead at the scene by the Citrus County Medical Examiner’s Office. Johnson was not injured in the crash.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, and preliminary reports indicate that Johnson was traveling northbound on Northeast U.S. 19 when he attempted to turn left onto Northeast State Road 44, but failed to yield to oncoming traffic. The crash is still under investigation, and charges are pending.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Crystal River Fire Department and the Florida Highway Patrol. The intersection was closed for several hours while crews worked to clear the wreckage and investigate the incident.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
Sources: Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
