Sumter County, FL (August 9, 2025) – A deadly crash in Sumter County on Monday has left one teenager dead and another facing multiple felony charges after allegedly fleeing the scene. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that the single-vehicle collision occurred when a 17-year-old driver, accompanied by four passengers aged 13 to 17, attempted to overtake slower traffic on the interstate.

According to reports, the vehicle swerved off the roadway, struck a tree, and burst into flames. Officials say the driver exited the car, removed the license plate, and fled on foot, leaving injured passengers behind. Emergency crews transported the victims to a hospital, where a 16-year-old passenger later died from their injuries. The driver has since been charged in connection with abandoning the crash and other related offenses. Citrus High School in Inverness confirmed that several of its students were involved in the incident.

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

Information in this article is drawn from initial police reports and could be updated as new developments arise.

• The identity of the teen who died has not yet been released publicly pending full family notification.
• Additional details, including further legal proceedings against the driver, will be provided by authorities when available.
• Residents seeking roadway safety updates should consult the Florida Highway Patrol or local traffic services.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All details are based on public reports at the time of publication and may change as investigations continue. Individuals affected by similar incidents are urged to contact a qualified attorney. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this report. Learn more with our disclaimer.