A third person has died from injuries suffered in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 near Ocala on Saturday that also claimed the life of a trooper for the Florida Highway Patrol, authorities said today.
George R. Phillips, 52, of Ocala died late Saturday at Ocala Regional Hospital.
Phillip was talking to FHP Trooper Chelsea Renee Richard, 30, and John Duggan, 57, of Levy County, near mile marker 341 on the southbound shoulder of I-75 when a pickup struck the three people, according to reports.
The trooper was investigating an earlier crash involving two cars on I-75 at about 1:40 p.m. when she was struck by the pickup. Richard and Duggan died at the scene. Phillips was airlifted to Ocala Regional in critical condition.
FHP investigators they are continuing their investigation and gathering statements from witnesses at the scene. Charges are pending and the investigation could take several months to complete, an FHP spokesman said.
Funeral arrangements for Richard were still being planned by her family on Sunday.
Richard lived in Ocala and was the mother of a 4-year-old boy. She had been an FHP trooper for nine years.
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McClatchy-Tribune News Service
