Passenger Dies From Injuries After Crash In Lealman
Florida might be called the “sunshine state”, but it is also a state known for its large number of car accidents and fatalities. From the increased amount of vehicles on the road, especially during the summer, to the rainy weather, there are a lot of reasons why our state has so many accidents attached to it. However, some accidents are simply due to the failure of a single driver. Sadly, that is just what happened on June 11th to Karch Ross and Zachary James.
Karch Ross died from his injuries suffered in a car accident in Lealman on Saturday night. It has been reported that this 19 year old man from North Redington Beach was a passenger in a Toyota Corolla that had been struck by a GMC 1500 driven by Kendal Bartholomew. The Florida Highway Patrol has reported that his vehicle had been traveling north on 28th Street N and was trying to turn west on 47th Avenue N when it was struck by Bartholomew, 40, of Tampa at approximately 10:42 p.m.
The troopers have stated that the GMC 1500 had also been driving north, but had failed to slow down or stop for the Toyota to turn left. This resulted in the GMC colliding with the rear of the Toyota. This impact caused the Toyota to be propelled into the parking lot of the B&N Food Mart at 4700 28th St. N, where it then struck the rear of a parked and unoccupied Ford Explorer. The FHP has stated that the GMC, however, ended up at the intersection of 28th Street N and 50th Avenue N.
Both the Toyota’s driver, Zachary James, and Ross of Largo were taken to the Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. Unfortunately, Ross died of his injuries. Kendal Bartholomew only received minor injuries and was not taken to the hospital.
No charges have yet been made at this time. Though it seems clear that it was Kendal Bartholomew’s failure to stop is what lead to the accident.
