Details Emerge In Sarasota Crash That Killed 3

SARASOTA, FL — The Sarasota Police Department is investigating a single vehicle crash that left three people dead and one injured Monday morning.

According to the agency, the accident happened around 3 a.m. on University Parkway near Old Bradenton and Desoto roads. Three people died and one person was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

Police have released the names of the three people killed in the crash. They are Wesley McCurley, 21, of Sarasota, Michael P. Duffy, 21, of Sarasota and Dane W. Custer, 21, of Bradenton. Thomas Bentley, 21, of Sarasota was injured in the wreck. Bentley turned 21 Monday, March 21.

According to police, the four men were headed west on University Parkway in a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by McCurley when the crash happened.

"At this time, Officers believe the vehicle was traveling westbound on University Parkway at a high rate of speed and for an unknown reason left the road, went over the curb and struck several trees," the agency wrote in an email to media. "Currently it's unknown what caused the crash."

Police say speed is believed to have been a factor in the crash. It is unknown if alcohol or drugs played a role.

"Toxicology tests will be conducted by the Medical Examiner to determine if drugs and alcohol were a factor," the email said. "These tests can take several weeks."

Bentley is expected to recover from his injuries, the department noted.

No further information is available at this time.

The crash closed both east and westbound lanes on University Parkway for several hours Monday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Sarasota Police Department

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