20-Year-Old Lithia Woman Killed In Crash On State Road 39

LITHIA, FL -- A 20-year-old Lithia woman has died following an accident Thursday on County Road 39.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, at 4:25 p.m. Feb. 28, Alexis Demere was traveling south on County Road 39 north of Jameson Road in a Toyota Yaris and crossed over the center line, crashing head-on into a pickup truck that was headed north on County Road 39.

According to the sheriff's office, Demere's car rotated counterclockwise before overturning. Demere, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the car. She died at the scene. A 30-year-old male passenger in her care was transported to Lakeland Regional Hospital with minor injuries.

The pickup truck rotated counterclockwise, eventually landing in a ditch. The 56-year-old male driver suffered life-threatening injuries and was flown to Tampa General Hospital in serious condition. His passenger, a 31-year-old woman, was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital- South with minor injuries.

Both vehicles were traveling at approximately 55 mph and had severe damage. The roadway was closed for several hours for cleanup and investigation.

Alcohol and drugs are suspected to be a factor in this case, pending toxicology results.

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