One killed in wrong-way crash on U.S. 41 in Tampa

TAMPA — A 35-year-old Tampa man was killed by a wrong-way driver on U.S. 41 overnight, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Shortly after midnight, troopers said, Joel Vargas-Gonzalez was driving north on U.S. 41 near Dover Street when a Mitsubishi Eclipse crashed into the front left side of his vehicle.

The driver of the Eclipse, Ronal R. Vasquez-Gonzalez, 23, of Tampa, was driving south in a northbound lane, according to the Highway Patrol. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash, troopers said, and Vasquez-Gonzalez faces charges of DUI manslaughter and driving with no license and causing a death.

He suffered minor injuries. Vargas-Gonzalez died at the scene.