Crime & Safety
Palm Harbor Man Involved in Deadly Crash
Investigators are trying to figure out which driver ran a red light at a Safety Harbor intersection.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is investigating a deadly crash that involved a Palm Harbor driver Friday morning in Safety Harbor.
It happened at 9 a.m. at the intersection of McMullen Booth Rd. and Main St. The Florida Highway Patrol says Joel Valerius, 41, of Palm Harbor was driving a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 north on McMullen Booth Rd. when his truck collided with a 1998 Ford Escort that was making a left turn in the intersection.
Valerius' truck hit the left side of the Escort. The Escort's driver, Dianne Paulsen, 45, of Safety Harbor died at the scene. Valerius was not injured. Both drivers were wearing seat belts.
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A FHP spokesperson says investigators are trying to figure out which vehicle ran the red light. The investigation is ongoing.
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