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Pasco wrong-way driver sends two other drivers to hospital

 
Published Dec. 10, 2014

NEW PORT RICHEY — A 72-year-old man driving on the wrong side of Starkey Boulevard struck two other drivers and sent one to the hospital in serious condition Wednesday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Richard L. Weatherby of New Port Richey was driving a Jaguar sedan north in the road's southbound lane at about 2 p.m. He struck 24-year-old Jamie Hopler of New Port Richey head-on.

Weatherby's Jaguar spun and came to a stop in the road, while Hopler's Hyundai sedan spun and stopped on the road's shoulder.

A third driver, 43-year-old Jimmy Dykes of Tampa, tried to avoid the collision and swerved to the shoulder, where he struck Hopler's Hyundai.

Hopler was flown to Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in Hudson with serious injuries, according to an FHP report.

Authorities are unsure why Weatherby drove the wrong way, though the FHP said alcohol was not a factor. Charges are pending.

Both Dykes' and Weatherby's injuries were minor, according to the report. They were both taken to Medical Center of Trinity.

The road was closed for two hours after the crash.