1 Dead in I-75 Crash

A 72-year-old Punda Gorda man is dead following a single-car crash Thursday evening on Interstate 75 south.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, James Sweet was heading south near Fruitville Road around 10:40 p.m. when his Ford Edge began to drift west and traveled across the center and right lanes. Sweet’s car entered the shoulder and ultimately struck a tree.

The Ford sprung a fuel leak and the car became fully engulfed in flames, a media release stated. No skid marks were found at the scene, troopers noted.

Sweet died as a result of the crash. It is unclear whether alcohol was a factor.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol