Three people were killed and two injured in a multiple vehicle traffic crash on southbound Interstate 75 at Mile Marker 177 near North Port on Sunday morning, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
The crash involved three vehicles. The 2016 Nissan Murano was driven by Nathaniel Perkins III, 23, of Fort Myers. In that vehicle was Johneisha Gadson, 22, of Fort Myers and Sharnice Brown, 23, of Fort Myers. Both Perkins and Gadson were pronounced dead at the scene after they were ejected from the vehicle.
The 2014 semi truck was driven by Eric Shawback, 51, of Fort Myers. Shawback died at the scene of the crash.
The third vehicle, a 2006 Toyota Avalon was driven by Hunter Harris, 21, of Port Charlotte with Austin Diedrick, 21, of Port charlotte, and Anthony Dejesus of Port Charlotte in the passenger seats.
FHP says the Nissan Murano was southbound in the outside lane of I-75 south of Toledo Blade Blvd. The semi truck was parked facing south on the west paved shoulder of I-75 south of Toledo Blvd. due to a mechanical problem. The Nissan veered into the shoulder and collided with the left rear of the trailer. The Nissan was redirected southeast and came to a stop on the east paved shoulder of I-75 and inside left lane. As a result, the Toyota Avalon was southbound in the inside left lane of I-75 south of Toledo Blvd. and failed to stop for the Nissan. The front of the Toyota collided with the right front of the Nissan.
The crash is currently under investigation.
This is a developing story. Stay with ABC Action News for updates.
