Citrus County Multi-Vehicle Crash Leaves 1 Dead; Pickup Driver Flees Scene

A tragic five-vehicle crash in Citrus County Friday evening left a 74-year-old woman dead and several others injured after a pickup truck allegedly ran a red light and triggered a chain-reaction collision, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred around 7 p.m. on U.S. 41 (North Lecanto Highway) near the intersection with East Victoria Lane in Pine Ridge.

According to FHP:

• A GMC pickup truck was traveling southbound on U.S. 41.
• Traffic ahead had stopped for a red light at North Lecanto Highway.
• The pickup allegedly failed to stop and crashed into a Jeep SUV.
• The impact pushed the Jeep forward, causing a chain-reaction crash involving three additional vehicles.

The violent sequence of collisions involved a total of five vehicles.

Authorities said a 74-year-old woman from Crystal River, who was a passenger in the Jeep SUV, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Several others suffered minor injuries, including:

• A 38-year-old woman from Inverness
• A 61-year-old woman from Kansas City, Kansas
• A 54-year-old woman from Lecanto

A 26-year-old Brooksville man and a 69-year-old woman from Inverness were also involved but were not injured.

Troopers say the driver of the GMC pickup truck fled the scene on foot following the crash.

As of the latest update, authorities have not confirmed whether the driver has been located. FHP is asking anyone with information to contact them by dialing *FHP (*347).

The crash remains under active investigation.

Legal Implications of Red-Light and Hit-and-Run Crashes

Crashes involving failure to stop at a red light are particularly dangerous at high-speed intersections like U.S. 41. When a driver fails to obey a traffic signal and causes a fatal collision — especially when they flee the scene — they may face both criminal charges and civil liability.

In multi-vehicle chain-reaction crashes, investigators typically analyze:

• Traffic signal timing
• Vehicle speed
• Brake and skid mark evidence
• Surveillance footage
• Witness statements

Leaving the scene of a fatal crash can significantly increase potential criminal penalties and may also impact insurance liability determinations.

Wrongful Death and Injury Claims in Florida

When negligence contributes to a fatal crash, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law.

Compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses prior to death
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering

Injured survivors may also pursue claims for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Because this crash involved multiple vehicles and a fleeing driver, determining liability and available insurance coverage can be complex.

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the deadly crash on U.S. 41 in Pine Ridge.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a similar accident, contact our office today for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.