ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal overnight crash that claimed the life of a 17-year-old Pensacola teen, identified only as Lucas, early Saturday morning.
According to FHP, the crash occurred around 12:30 a.m. as a white Toyota driven by the teen was exiting the parking lot of the Valero convenience store on Highway 29, just south of Muscogee Road in Cantonment. Troopers say the Toyota was attempting to make a left turn onto U.S. Highway 29 when a red Dodge, operated by a 26-year-old Pensacola man, was traveling northbound toward the store.
Investigators report that the front of the Dodge struck the left side of the Toyota, causing catastrophic damage. Although the teen driver of the Toyota was restrained, the force of the impact caused him to be ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The 26-year-old driver of the Dodge sustained minor injuries, troopers said.
FHP states that any potential charges are pending the results of the ongoing traffic homicide investigation. No additional details have been released at this time as investigators continue to gather evidence and reconstruct the crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol urges anyone with information or who may have witnessed the collision to come forward as the investigation continues.
This tragic incident has deeply impacted the Pensacola community as family and friends mourn the sudden loss of a young life.
