Sarasota Driver Killed After Tire Blowout

A 2001 Ford SUV swerved out of control on I-75 and overturned, killing the driver and injuring a 50-year-old passenger Saturday, the Florida Highway Patrol reports.

The accident occurred near Mile Marker 184 in Northport, when the vehicle's right rear tire blew out, according to investigators.

The name of the driver will be released when next of kin is notified. The passenger, Sharon L. Lytle, 50, of Sarasota, was transported to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton with serious injuries.

The vehicle veered off the highway and into the grassy center median, where it overturned and then slid toward the woods, troopers said.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, troopers said.

Both the driver and the passenger were wearing their seatbelts.