1 Killed, 1 Critical Following Crash On U.S. 41 In Sarasota

SARASOTA, FL – A 79-year-old Osprey woman has died as a result of a crash that occurred Thursday, March 15, at 9:40 a.m. on U.S. 41 and North Creek Lane in Sarasota.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 2004 Toyota 4-Runner driven by Rachel Veronica Hauser, 28, of Nokomis, was heading north on U.S. 41, approaching the intersection of North Creek Lane.

At the same time, a 2015 Lexus ES350, driven by Irwin Hoffman, 83 of Osprey, was also heading north on U.S. 41 directly in front of the Toyota. Hauser began to pass Hoffman's Lexus in the right lane but miscalculated the distance needed to safely move back into the lane in front of Hoffman’s car. As a result, the left rear of Hauser’s SUV hit the front right of Hoffman’s Lexus.

Hauser’s Toyota spun into traffic and crashed into a 2008 Chevy Impala driven by Demario Evans, 35, of Sarasota.

Norma Hoffman, who was a passenger in her husband’s car, was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital where she died.

Irwin Hoffman sustained critical injuries and Evans was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Hauser and her two passengers were not injured.

Hauser was charged with hit and run with serious bodily injury and death, reckless driving and tampering with evidence.

Image via FHP