Crystal River Woman Killed In 5-Vehicle Pileup On U.S. 19

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — A 41-year-old Crystal River woman has died following a five-vehicle pileup that occurred around 1 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of U.S. 19 and Beacon Woods Drive.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the Crystal River woman, who was driving an SUV, came to a complete stop on northbound U.S. 19 for a red light at the Beacon Woods Drive intersection behind a car driven by a 22-year-old Weeki Wachee woman and a car driven by a 26-year-old Tarpon Springs man.

A fifth vehicle, a car driven by a 62-year-old Port Richey man, was stopped at the light in the southbound turn lane on U.S. 19. The southbound traffic light turned green, and he began to make a left turn onto Beacon Woods Drive.

Troopers said a 31-year-old Crystal River man driving a pickup truck north on U.S. 19 approaching Beacon Woods Drive failed to slow down for the traffic in front of him and collided with the rear of the SUV.

The SUV was pushed into the rear of the car in front of it, rotated and became airborne, landing on top of the car driven by the Tarpon Springs man.

Debris from crash was hurled into the Port Richey man's car as he turned left.

The Crystal River woman died at the scene. The four other drivers and a passenger sustained minor injuries.

Troopers said alcohol use by the pickup driver may have led to the crash but the highway patrol did not say if the man was charged with drunk driving.

Due to Marsy's Law, approved by Florida voters in 2018 to protect the identities of crime victims, the Florida Highway Patrol has chosen to no longer release the names of those involved in traffic accidents.