An early morning crash on southbound Interstate 75 in Sumter County has resulted in the death of two people, according to Sumter County emergency officials and troopers.
- 2 dead, 1 hurt after crash on Interstate 75 early Monday
- Troopers say speed, alcohol were factors in deadly crash
- Crash happened at mile marker 318, near Bushnell
Just after midnight on Monday morning, Sumter County Fire & EMS stations 21 and 22 responded to a vehicle collision that involved three people at mile marker 318, near Bushnell.
Robert Anthony Benton, 30, was driving his 2013 Ford Explorer southbound in the center lane of I-75 near mile marker 318 over the speed limit when he struck 23-year-old Alexa Leigh White's 2011 Hyundai Sonata, also in the center lane, according to a Florida Highway Patrol news release.
White's Sonata spun off the interstate and collided with a tree along the outside shoulder, killing the Palm Bay resident.
White's passenger, a 50-year-old woman from Tucson, was taken to the Ocala Regional Medical Center, where she died.
The FHP did not release the passenger's name, but both her and White were wearing seat belts, troopers said.
Benton, of Fort Myers, incurred minor injuries and was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center.
Benton was arrested on charges of DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide and driving with a suspended license that resulted in a death, FHP stated.
The crash is being investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol and the medical examiner.