3 Sarasota Teenagers Killed In Overnight Crash

SARASOTA, FL — Three Sarasota teenagers were killed early Wednesday in an overnight crash that occurred along John Ringling Causeway.

Genevieve Judge of the Sarasota Police Department said the crash took place just after midnight in the area of Bird Key.

The victims were identified as 19-year-old Oscar Flores, 17-year-old Daniel Flores and 15-year-old Isabella Paoletta.

Judge said all three of the victims were in a four-door sedan that was traveling west over the John Ringling Causeway Bridge when the car crashed into the sidewall.

"Daniel and Oscar are brothers. The relationship between the two males and female are unknown," said Judge, who did not know which teen was behind the wheel at the time of the crash.

"For unknown reasons, the driver lost control, struck the sidewall of the bridge, a tree and at some point, the female was ejected from the vehicle," Judge explained. "The vehicle then caught fire and was extinguished by members of the Sarasota County Fire Department."

The eastbound and westbound lanes of the John Ringling Causeway Bridge were closed for several hours from Sunset Drive to Bird Key Park.

"It’s unknown if speed, alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash," said Judge, adding that the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

To report a tip, or if you have videos or photos related to the crash, call Officer Jason Frank of the Sarasota Police Department at 941-364-7370.