Truck Runs Into Children; 2 Are Dead

Mar 20, 11:42 AM

Current Headlines: By Mari Robyn Jones, Tampa Tribune, Fla.

Mar. 20--A pickup truck driver, swerving to avoid traffic Sunday on Interstate 75, ran over three children, leaving two dead and a third seriously injured, a Florida Highway Patrol spokesman said Monday.

The children and seven others were standing near a disabled 1991 Mazda about 6 p.m. Traffic on I-75 near the Sun City Center exit began slowing because of the car, Trooper Larry Coggins said.

Jorge Garcia, 47, of Gibsonton, was not able to slow fast enough in his 2002 Chevrolet Silverado and swerved to the left, Coggins said. Garcia went off the road, hit the Mazda and ran over the three children, the trooper said.

Leona Paul, 14, of Lakeland, was pronounced dead at the scene. Austin Cox, 10, of Auburndale, died at Tampa General Hospital. Skylar Richardson, 14, of Ruskin, was in critical condition at TGH, a nursing supervisor said. Garcia, his wife and three daughters were not hurt, Coggins said.

The children were traveling with a group of 11 others in the Mazda and another car. They were all friends and family members, Coggins said.

The highway patrol was investigating.

Coggins said no alcohol or drugs were involved.

"It was just a terrible set of circumstances that led to a horrible crash," he said.

News Channel 8's Jason Odra contributed to this report. Reporter Mari Robyn Jones can be reached at (813) 259-7638 or mjones@tampatrib.com.

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