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Valrico man killed in crash with semi while driving tractor

 
Published Dec. 6, 2016

WIMAUMA

A Valrico man was killed Monday when he was struck by a semitrailer truck while riding his farm tractor.

James B. Simmons, 84, was driving his tractor on State Road 674, east of Owens Lake Road, partially in a westbound travel lane and partially in the shoulder of the road, when the accident occurred around 3 p.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Tommy Mars, 57, of Lake Alfred was driving his semi west on SR 674 and failed to see Simmons on his tractor. The front of Mars' truck struck the back of the tractor, killing Simmons.

The impact caused the semi to leave the road and hit a tree near the shoulder of the road. Mars sustained minor injuries and was taken to South Bay Hospital.

Charges are pending, according to a Highway Patrol report.

Times staff