Three die, others injured in three-vehicle crash near Zephyrhills

ZEPHYRHILLS — Three people were killed and several others injured after a Sunday morning crash on State Road 54 west of Zephyrhills, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers identified the victims as Lavon Lakin Hartman, 90, of Zephyrhills and Charles W. Anken, 78, and Georgianna L. Anken, 77, of Holland Patent, NY.

None of the victims was wearing a seat belt, the report states.

Around 11 a.m., a 2000 two-door Toyota heading west on S.R. 54 near Ernest Drive, driven by Dustin Andrew Diaz, 22, failed to stop in traffic and collided with the rear of a 2008 four-door Volkswagen, sending that car into the shoulder.

The Toyota driven by Diaz, of Wesley Chapel, then veered into eastbound traffic and smashed into a 2002 four-door Toyota head on. The three people in the eastbound car died at the scene.

Several people in all of the cars were injured.

The road was closed after the crash and reopened about 2:30 p.m.

Troopers said alcohol was not involved, but the crash remained under investigation.