MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — An alligator crossing a road in Manatee County led to a deadly crash on Thursday night, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) says.
According to an FHP press release, an alligator crossing State Road 70 walked into the path of a car at around 10:40 p.m. local time. The driver tried to swerve out of the way and lost control, authorities said.
Troopers say the car ran off the road, into a ditch full of water, and then crashed into a tree. The 23-year-old passenger died and the 20-year-old driver suffered minor injuries.
Both were wearing seat belts, according to FHP.
Troopers say the crash remains under investigation.
This story was originally published by WFTS in Tampa, Florida.
