CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — A 52-year-old man has died following a crash Thursday night on State Road 31 south of Bermont Road.
Authorities say it happened at 6:15 p.m.
The Florida Highway Patrol says a vehicle was driving northbound on State Road 31, passing a line of vehicles on the southbound lane of State Road 31, south of Bermont Road. They say another vehicle was traveling south coming close to the first vehicle. They say the second vehicle traveled off the road to avoid a head-on collision with the vehicle passing. The vehicle lost control, rotated, and landed back onto the roadway. A third vehicle was traveling north on SR 31 when the front of the second vehicle collided with the front of the third.
Authorities say the first vehicle continued north on SR 31, leaving the scene. The second vehicle came to a stop on the grass.
The driver of the second vehicle was taken to Bayfront Punta Gorda hospital where he was later pronounced dead, according to FHP.
FHP says the driver of the third vehicle was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital. They're still looking for the first vehicle; they believe it's a Lincoln Sport Utility Vehicle.
If you have any information on this crash, you're asked to call FHP or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.
