Motorist dies in crash after driving car into woods near U.S. 19

WEEKI WACHEE — An 80-year-old motorist driving a convertible vehicle died after a crash Thursday morning near U.S. 19 and Commercial Way N, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

According to the accident report, the motorist apparently suffered some sort of medical condition while heading west out of the entrance to Camp-A-Wyle in a 1999 Pontiac convertible. The vehicle crossed the northbound lanes of U.S. 19, made a left turn and then went south in the southbound lanes.

The FHP said the Pontiac continued traveling in a large arc, entered the median, crossed the northbound lanes and then left the road on the east side of U.S. 19.

The vehicle entered the woods along the side of the highway and went about 200 feet into the woods, striking a number of small trees and bushes before coming to a stop.

The driver was pronounced dead on the scene. FHP said the motorist wasn't wearing a seat belt.

Authorities were still investigating the incident as of Thursday afternoon. The name of the motorist was not released pending notification of family members.