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Pedestrian Dies, Driver Charged in Pasco Crash

Crime Scene | Dead Body | Chalk Outline

The driver, from Tampa, was accused of leaving the scene of an accident involving a death, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

PASCO COUNTY – An elderly Zephyrhills man died Christmas Eve when he was hit while crossing a road.

Nicholas Panessidi, 76, of Zephyrhills, died at the scene, Florida Highway Patrol troopers said. Lorena Gonzalez, 31, of Tampa, the driver of the car that hit Mr. Panessidi was charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death. Gonzalez was not hurt in the crash.

The crash happened about 8:30 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 24) on State Road 39 (Paul S. Buchman Hwy.) north of Pattie Road. Mr. Panessidi was crossing the highway when he was hit by a 1998 Jeep SUV driven by Gonzalez, FHP officials said. Troopers said Mr. Panessidi died at the scene from his injuries. They said Gonzalez drove to her Tampa home where troopers located, her and her Jeep. They arrested her and charged her.

For information about the FHP, go to flhsmv.gov.

Florida Highway Patrol | Pasco County | Pedestrian Death | TB Reporter

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