NORTH PORT, Fla. — Police say a 17-year-old girl is dead after an early morning DUI accident that involved over a dozen people.
Around 2:30 a.m. Saturday, 19-year-old Stephanie Evrard was driving a 2010 blue Toyota SUV with 13 people inside and on the roof of it. The North Port Police Department says she was under the influence at the time.
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Evrard was driving on Joewood Circle when the car rolled over after she failed to navigate a curve, according to police.
A 17-year-old passenger was ejected and died on the scene.
Three other passengers were taken to area hospitals. A 17-year-old girl has already been released following treatment. A 19-year-old man is in surgery at Sarasota Memorial, and a 13-year-old passenger is at a Tampa area hospital with internal, but non-life threatening injuries.
Officials say the deceased victim and some of the others involved are North Port High School students. The school has canceled drama performances that were scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Grief counselors will be at the school Sunday from noon until 3 p.m., and during the up-coming school week.
In addition, students can speak to a counselor anonymously by texting “HERE4U” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. This service is available to all students in Sarasota County 24/7.
Evrard was arrested and charged with one count of DUI manslaughter and three counts of DUI with personal injury. She is being held at the Sarasota County Jail.
The names of the victims have not been released at this time.
Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact THI Ofc. Greg Pierce at 941-429-7300 or submit tips through the NPPD tip app.