Crime & Safety
Valrico Man Killed in Farm Tractor Crash
An 84-year-old man was killed Monday when his farm tractor was hit by a semi on State Road 674.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — An 84-year-old Valrico man was killed in a Monday afternoon crash on State Road 674 near Owens Lake Road.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Tommy Mars, 57, of Lake Alfred was driving a semi-truck west on State Road 674 around 3 p.m. Dec. 5. At that time, James B. Simmons, 84, was also driving his farm tractor westbound, east of Owens Lake Road. Simmons was partially in the westbound travel lane and partially on the outside shoulder, a highway patrol report said.
Troopers say Mars failed to see Simmons and struck the rear of the tractor. After the collision, the semi left the road and ran into the tree line. Simmons suffered fatal injuries in the crash and died at the scene, the highway patrol reported.
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The crash remains under investigation with charges pending the outcome.
No further information is available at this time.
Find out what's happening in Brandonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol
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