CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL. (THECOUNT) — Lauryn Marie Akey, 21, of Bradenton, Florida, was killed early Sunday in a wrong-way crash involving multiple vehicles on Interstate 75 in Charlotte County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Dennis Lee Olson, 53, of Sarasota, was charged with vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter.
The fatal collision occurred around 1:13 a.m. Sunday, May 17, on northbound I-75 near mile marker 150 in southwest Florida.
According to troopers, a 2020 Ford F-150 driven by Olson was traveling south in the northbound lanes of Interstate 75 at the time of the crash.
Investigators said Olson’s pickup truck first collided with a 2016 Kia Optima occupied by a 34-year-old woman from Arcadia and two juvenile passengers, boys ages 12 and 15.
Authorities stated all three occupants of the Kia suffered serious injuries and were transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Troopers said Olson’s truck then collided with a 2012 Honda CR-V driven by Akey.
Officials confirmed Akey died at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash.
A fourth vehicle, identified as a 2023 Tesla Model 3 driven by a 19-year-old Sarasota woman, later struck debris from the collision.
Authorities said the Tesla driver was not injured and sustained only minor vehicle damage.
Florida Highway Patrol officials reported Olson suffered non-incapacitating injuries and was transported to a hospital following the crash.
After being medically cleared and released, Olson was arrested by troopers.
Authorities charged Olson with vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter.
He was booked into the Charlotte County Jail.
Officials stated Olson was scheduled to make his first court appearance Monday morning.
The crash shut down portions of Interstate 75 while emergency crews, troopers, and investigators processed the scene and removed damaged vehicles and debris from the roadway.
Wrong-way crashes are among the most dangerous traffic incidents due to the high likelihood of head-on impacts occurring at highway speeds.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the deadly collision.
No additional information has been released at this time.
Google Maps: I-75 near mile marker 150, Charlotte County, Florida
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