Passenger Killed in Fiery Crash on I-75

ALACHUA COUNTY — A one-car crash on Interstate 75, half-way between Gainesville and Alachua, resulted in the death of a passenger and the critical injury of the driver. Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officers were called to the vicinity of northbound I-75 and mile marker 395 at 4:34 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22.

A 2001 Ford F250, driven by 79-year-old Willard Crowder of Greenville, Florida, had been traveling north on I-75. Near the 395 mile marker, Crowder lost control of his truck, which traveled onto the east shoulder and collided with a tree.

Following the crash, the truck erupted into fire. Crowder was able to escape, but his passenger, 82-year-old Lee Bishop of Lee, Florida, was not. Bishop was pronounced dead at the scene.

Crowder was transported to UF-Health Shands in critical condition.

It is unknown whether either the driver or passenger were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. According to the FHP, alcohol was not suspected as a factor in this incident.

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