Man dies after driving into Gulf of Mexico in Yankeetown, FL UPDATED
Yankeetown - A 51 year-old Man from Hawthorne, Florida drove his car into the Gulf of Mexico and was later pronounced deceased at Bravera Health Seven Rivers Hospital in Crystal River, Florida, according to a press release by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The crash occurred at 9:08 pm on Friday night, March 31, 2023, in Yankeetown, Florida. According to the press release, the man was driving a 2002 Ford Mustang sedan, traveling west on County Road 40 West, and for unknown reasons, he failed to stop at the boat ramp located at the end of County Road 40 West, and the vehicle traveled into the gulf waters and sunk. It was reported to the FHP that he was traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
UPDATE
Levy County Sheriff's Office (LCSO)
On April 1, 2023, as the result of false rumors circulating about the demise of the Hawthorne, Florida man as a result of his vehicle crashing into the gulf, the Levy County Sheriff's Office issued a public statement on its Facebook page. "THERE IS NO TRUTH to the rumor that our agency chased a vehicle into the water in the Yankeetown area last night. LCSO DID send units to assist the Florida Highway Patrol with a vehicle found in the water. Media inquiries should be directed to the Florida Highway Patrol. Thanks for your assistance."