Confused driver causes fatal wrong-way crash on Interstate 75, troopers say

A 45-year-old Clearwater motorcyclist was killed Wednesday in a head-on collision caused by a wrong-way driver on the Pasco County side of Interstate 75, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Jamie Vasean Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene, troopers said.

The incident started at about 3:34 p.m. Elide Tamayo, 84, of Tampa, was driving a 1994 Lincoln Town Car north on I-275 to the entrance ramp onto I-75. Somehow, troopers said, the driver got confused, turned around and started driving south in the northbound I-75 lane.

As the Lincoln approached the County Line Road overpass, troopers said, a vehicle had to swerve out of its way and ended up hitting a pick-up truck in a "minor collision."

The Lincoln also swerved out of the way and ended up in the west shoulder, according to the Highway Patrol.

Johnson was riding a 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle north on I-75 at the time. The motorcyclist swerved out of the northbound lanes and ended up in the west shoulder as well.

It was on the paved western shoulder of the interstate that the Lincoln and motorcycle collided head-on, troopers said.

Johnson was wearing his helmet at the time of the crash.

Tamayo was taken to AdventHealth Tampa hospital for medical treatment of serious injuries. She was wearing her seatbelt.

Alcohol was not a factor in the crash. Charges may be pending in this case.