UPDATE: 8/3/2016, 11:40 P.M. - The Florida Highway Patrol has confirmed that 66-year-old Cynthia Carnahan of Brooksville, a passenger in the white Dodge Journey, was airlifted to St. Joseph’s Hospital but later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver, 44-year-old Amy McDonald, a 16-year-old girl, and an 8-year-old boy all sustained serious injuries and were transported by ground to Bayonet Point Hospital.
The motorcyclist, James Roberts, 73, of Land O’ Lakes sustained serious injuries and was transported to Bayfront Health Brooksville.
The driver of the red Pontiac Vibe, Betty Gervias, 60, of Brooksville sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to St. Joseph’s Hospital with serious injuries.
Officials confirmed witness accounts that the motorcyclist failed to yield to oncoming traffic while attempting to cross Cortez Blvd from Ft. Dade Ave. As a result, the Pontiac struck the motorcycle and continued across the median where it collided with the Dodge Journey, nearly head on.
UPDATE: 8/3/2016, 11:08 P.M. - Officials are reporting at least one fatality as a result of today’s crash. The identity of the victim(s) has not been released.
BROOKSVILLE – At least 6 people were injured in a three vehicle crash at the intersection of Cortez Blvd and Ft. Dade Ave. Two patients were airlifted to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa and four others were taken to area hospitals. One of vehicles involved is a motorcycle but the driver was stable at the time of his transport. There are also reports that a teenage girl is among those injured.
There are unconfirmed reports that the red vehicle crossed over the median into the eastbound lanes and collided with the minivan, after colliding with the motorcycle. The white vehicle overturned according to witnesses.
Traffic is still being diverted in both directions while the Florida Highway Patrol conducts their investigation.
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There needs to be a light put here last couple months with the sheriff in the intersection and now this we need a light
Doesn’t sound like it took place at the intersection. Someone crossed the centerline. Traffic light wouldn’t stop that from happening.
If there had been a light at the intersection, the motorcycle wouldn’t have been trying to cross with on coming traffic. If the car hadn’t of hit the motorcycle, it wouldn’t have crossed the median. That is how I read it. So, yes, a light at the intersection would most likely have prevented this accident.
The report states the biker was the cause of the accident, for failing to yield to traffic at the intersection…
Notwithstanding the particulars of this accident, the crossover needs to be closed completely and force people to use the U-turn just down the road in either direction. With a curve and a hill, trying to cross that, judge speeds of oncoming vehicles, etc, it’s just too dangerous of an intersection. Simple modifications could prevent a lot of tragedy here. Now, getting people to comply with these changes is another story altogether…
I agree that something needs to be done with this intersection. The recent improvements, widening, etc, created what apparently a lot of drivers see as just a big wide-open space they can drive in or across like it’s a parking lot free-for-all.
A terrible intersection, where too many people aren’t paying attention to all approaches.
They didn’t just cross the line, they crossed the median. People can we all please lear to drive safely and defensively. I don’t think the van or cycle could have avoided this accident. We just have to be more alert. My prayers to all. Lets be safe out there.
Just an FYI. The motorcycle not only caused the accident, but also struck the red car, not the other way around. There was no way for the dodge or the Pontiac to avoid this.
The very simple solution is : if you’re not SURE it’s safe to cross yet, DON’T. However, with our impatient and “I deserve my turn” attitude of most of this society today….WE NEED A LIGHT! It’s the only way to save lives at this “confusing to many” intersection.
I agree
Tom why blur the billboard out?
Probably playing that stupid Pokemon go thing, or texting.
why place blame ??? thanks for the heads up and pray for those that are injured !!!!!
probably caused by a female
Hey MORON,
Caused by the biker idiot.
Damn, what a Mess. Curious says, that is a good point.
Hey curious, that’s a Christian sign, would not even suggest it was intentionally done, I would hope due to the age of the sign, just showed up that way in photos, have seen it many times, good sign! Hope all are ok, yep looks like a real bad mess.
It wasn’t the Christian sign. It was a law firm.
the christian sign is not blurred out, just blocked by a helicopter the next picture has a blurred out billboard that is of a law firm
Very sad! An ex coworker of mine was one of the fatalities.. Very sad prayers go out to her family..
Prayers for all the victims and their families very sad to loose a loved one. Tom, certainly don’t want to say you are wrong, could be law firm, but I see died for our sins, can’t make out the rest. I am sure there are Christian law firms maybe that’s the name associated with law firm?, so if I am wrong, please excuse the error.on my part. Appreciate the hard work you do Agsin, sorry for all the victims involved.
It’s okay. I am certain that it is a law firm because I purposely censored it for that purpose.
To Mr Common Sense, the sister of a very dear friend of mine was killed in this accident. She was a passenger, mother and grandmother. But thanks for the rudely sexist remark in the face of such a tragedy. I pray for those who survived.
I agree with a light or u turn..to many accidents there..hope all make full recovery!
Sending prayers!
is there any update on the victims ?
The woman in the red vehicle is still currently in the hospital after 6 surgeries.
Who was the teenage girl
I was taking my mother in law to the doctors and when I got to the corner of Cortez and Fort Dade, I immediately knew that something horrible had happened. There were fire trucks, ambulances, tons of police, helicopters and lots of other first responders. I saw the motorcycle first, then the red car and last but not least, the overturn white car. I couldn’t believe the distance between the wrecked vehicles. The traffic was backed up unbelievably. I was thinking how lucky I was to be able to re-route our destination while at the same time knowing (without officially knowing) that somebody would not be able to finish their destination. My heart aches for all those involved. May God be with them.
if a vehicle jumped the median and people are demanding a light to avoid this.. well please explain how a traffic light would prevent people jumping a median ? anyhow thanks to our rescue personnel, health care workers, law enforcement, etc for their efforts to save people in these situations.
The motorcycle hit the red car, spinning it out of control across the median…if he would have stopped at a light, this wouldn’t have occurred.
omg people stop with the “we need a light!” car crossed the median and caused this! light or not it would not have stopped this crash!
Taken from the article: .
The way I understand it is that the motorcycle tried to cross 50 while traffic was coming. If there was a traffic light there, the motorcycle would have had to stop until light was green (unless he runs the red light).
Prayers for ALL!
-Officials confirmed witness accounts that the motorcyclist failed to yield to oncoming traffic while attempting to cross Cortez Blvd from Ft. Dade Ave. As a result, the Pontiac struck the motorcycle and continued across the median where it collided with the Dodge Journey, nearly head on.-
I’m sorry for the loss of life and my thoughts and prayers for those injured and the families. I’ve been the family of soimeone who was in an accident.
Now days these cars aren’t built to the best . please slow day pay attention always watch for the next man move . This is a dangerous intersection. Need a light. A lot of kids crosses there also. Prayers for all the families.
interesting how the id-jits who said it was a female driver or the car crossed the median caused it haven’t re-commented an apology since it was a motorcycle driver mistake this time…never the less it is a tragic accident that could be prevented in many different possibilities…
It surely began in the intersection, the motorcycle was coming from Ft. Dade (beside the RaceTrac) across Cortez, headed to the asphalt median when the red Pontiac hit the rear/side of his moto. She continued west on Cortez until she crossed the grass median into oncoming traffic (contacting the white Dodge).
A traffic light most definitely would have made the difference in this situation!
I really wished that I had to wait a moment or two at a stop light instead of watching this awful scene occur while coming down that hill on Cortez on the other motorcycle in the foreground of some of the pics.
People please (whether a cause here or not), put your phones down and pay attention to you, your car and all others around you while driving our roads. I thank you kindly!
The motorcycle actually his the red car.
People died,and some idiot noticed the street sign blocked,very sad.
From someone close to someone involved in this accident, I have a few comments.
1. Be kind. Why do some feel the need to make rude/disrespectful comments on something that has obviously devastated many families… Why would you want to hurt others whom you don’t even know?
2. Read the story not just the headline before forming an opinion. In other words, learn to read or forget how to speak.
3. Don’t assume you know what happened, even if a friend “witnessed” it, as there are many witnesses from many directions and angles which is why accidents are investigated.
For those who took the time to read after this was updated, officials have confirmed the motorcycle failed to yield to oncoming traffic while crossing Cortez from FT. Dade, as a result the Pontiac collided with the motorcycle before crossing the median and hitting the other vehicle practically head on. A red light could have prevented this accident.
Motorcycles run red lights so could have still happened!
I will say a prayers for my niece that was injured. My prayers are with you as well Amy.. I’m sorry for your loss.
Healing Prayers, Love & Light for all the families and loved ones!
This is one of the worst intersections in Hernando County. I lost a friend at this intersection about 10 years ago, but how many more lives have to be sacrificed (yes I mean sacrificed, due to the state “lolly-gagging” around), before a traffic light is installed at that intersection? My condolences to the family of the deceased and prayers to those who are recovering.
To Mike Roe, your an idiot. I was the boss of the woman in the red car. She was not playing some stupid Pokémon game. Keep your mouth shut when you don’t know what happened. Prayers to Betty and her family.
Had the motorcyclist yielded properly this accident would have been avoided.
The world is full of idiots.It was determined that had motorcycle yielded this would not have happened.Betty is the most caring and wonderful woman I have ever met .i pray for her and her family who I saw today. This was a tragic accident and I pray for all involved.please pray for all
My 16 yr old daughter was in the white car and lost her step grandmother in this accident and was hurt pretty bad herself along with her step mother no one was on a phone or anything and no one really knows what actually really happened. Careless driving is what is was and a lady lost her life over it and my 16 year old has a broken wrist and collar bone and is completely traumatized by this so stop with the rude comments and whatever it is uncalled for! People died here and it could have been my daughter I am thankful that god was watching over them and she isnt more seriously injured.
We actually do know what really happened, as determined by the findings of the FHP’s comprehensive investigation at the scene. The 73 year-old man riding the motorcycle was negligent and at fault in failing to yield to oncoming traffic, cutting off the driver of the red car, who is my mother-in-law. Like your loved ones, she was neither texting, nor on the phone or distracted in any way when the motorcycle failed to follow the law and cut her off, causing the chain of events that lead to your loved one losing her life and our loved one to be battling for her life in the trauma ICU, while the motorcycle driver was spared due to the quick reactions of my mother-in-law that fateful day. He is the one that should wake up each morning grateful that my mother-in-law was a careful, alert driver, who was able to react immediately to his negligence, sparing him the critical injuries she herself incurred. We will keep your family in our thoughts and hope for their speedy and complete recovery.
As for the internet trolls…just recall the Gaussian distribution for intelligence (e.g., Bell Curve). The average IQ in the US is 100, thus half of the population has a 2-digit IQ that impacts how they process and respond to information, which is often erroneously. Sadly, others simply have nothing more meaningful in their empty lives than trolling for attention with their ignorant, malevolent drivel. The best thing to do is to do nothing…simply ignore them, which is their greatest fear…that no one cares about them or what they have to say.
The intersection needs a light or needs to be redesigned. The road needs to be patrolled more often. Hey Neihus get your do nothing bloated deputies out there on the roads and away from other activities to help prevent tragedies like this from happening.
The driver of the red car is my mother. She is still in ICU. She has never used drugs, smoked, or even drank alcohol (I know it sounds unlikely but it’s true). She had no medical problems, nor has she ever played (or probably even heard of) Pokemon. She is a very cautious and defensive driver who has lectured me many times about being extra cautious around motorcycles due to their vulnerability. She is honestly the most careing, generous, selfless and compationate person I have ever met and I am honored to not only know her but also have the privilege of calling her my mother, hero and rock. Although I will admit I have occasionally been caught up in some of these negative comments, my mother would not approve so I would like to add some positive thoughts. I would like to thank ALL of the emergency response personnel who responded to this accident and helped out the people involved but I would like to especially thank the ones who were with my mom, comforting her, holding her hand, head, and providing the security and compassion she needed during this time. You guys not only saved her life by rendering medical care, you enabled her to have the strength to get through this. She remembers. She, and I, will be eternally greatful for her not being just another case. She felt bad that you all had to be out there in the heat while in uniform as she was unbearably hot without the extra clothing. ALL of you are heroes. I would also like to thank the people who witnessed and stopped to help the people involved. I may never know who you actually were but I will be greatful to you for the rest of my life. The people who went to my mothers car and prayed with her, held her hand, offered kind words and sat outside in the sun fanning her to try and keep her cool, she remembers. People like these are the reminder that no matter what, there are good and caring people in this world and you DO make a difference. Although I wish she did not remember the accident, I am glad she has good memories from those who were there with her. And as I said, my mother, I and my entire family will be eternally greatful.
Yes, Thank you all for all of your heartfelt support in stopping to assist not only my Aunt Betty, but the others injured in this accident. Thank you to all the emergency responders for all of your hard work, and compassionate care! We truly appreciate everything that you did that devastating day! May God bless you all! We are very appreciative for all of the prayers & well wishes! Our prayers goes out to all of those who were injured, and to the family left behind after loosing their loved one.
This is Awful, What a Mess and so many lives affected in a split second. Prayers go out to the families of the injured and especially those who lost a loved one.
Almost daily a vehicle has over turned in Hernando County. I question if the larger popular counties, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco if this too is a daily occurrence.
With all of the rain we have to be extra cautious, allow more time to reach our destination, the roads are slippery.
My heart goes out to all envolved
😇God Bless!
Southern Hills YOUR AN IDIOT. . Daniel Maisano learn how to read, common sense, you need to get a life with a live person. EJ in SH, that sounds like the answer, there are too many cross overs on major roads more lights is not the answer. close 1/2 of the cross overs there will be less accidents like this.
Melissa and Joe, we will continue to pray for your mom MIL.
Praying for ur mother Melissa! It was a horrible accident my daughter’s step grandmother passed away at the hospital due to her injuries her step mother had surgery Friday and my daughter thank god has a broken wrist and collar bone and massive bruising all over I am thankful she wasn’t hurt worse. She is extremely traumatized. 🙁 I will continue to pray for your mother!
Melissa very well written!
Thank you everyone. Michelle, thank you I am so thankful that your daughter didn’t sustain more serious injuries, although I am sad that she had to experience such a traumatic event at such a young age. She, her step mother and the other passenger will continue to be in my thoughts, not only for their medical recovery but for their mental health as well as grieving.
Thank u!!!!! Please keep me updated on how ur mom is doing my daughter was asking if she was ok 🙁
I am so sorry for everyone who was involved in this. I saw an accident there last week. Lady ran stop sign. Old lady hit her.. other cars not paying attention rearended each other. Definitely need a light there. So sorry the grandmother passed.