Fatal Skyway Bridge Crash: IDs Released

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — As the Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate a fatal wrong-way crash that closed lanes on the Skyway Bridge Friday morning, troopers have released some details.

According to the agency, Shontel Nicole Chase, 29, of New Port Richey was driving north in the southbound inside lane of Interstate 275 around 3:40 a.m. Dec. 30. As Chase’s Ford Focus continued in the wrong direction, troopers say a 2000 GMC Sierra driven by Jon Allen Mitchtell, 55, of Palmetto was heading south in the southbound inside lane.

Mitchell saw Chase’s Ford heading in his direction and tried to take evasive actions, a highway patrol report said. Chase also attempted to avert the crash, but the two vehicles struck nearly head-on.

Chase’s Ford struck the bridge’s retaining wall following the initial collision. Troopers say she died at the scene.

Mitchell was taken to Blake Medical Center in critical condition.

It is unclear at this time if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

The accident closed the southbound lanes of I-275 from 54th Avenue South for several hours Friday morning.

No further information is available at this time.

Photo and map courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol