Available 
New Port Richey, FL (July 28, 2026) — One teenager was killed, and another was seriously injured in an early morning crash on State Road 54 in Pasco County on Sunday, July 26.
The crash happened around 3:45 a.m. east of Old County Road 54, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A Chevrolet Traverse left the roadway and struck a utility pole before hitting a tree.
Both teenagers were taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. The 15-year-old passenger later died, while the other teenager remained hospitalized.
Part of State Road 54 was closed for several hours while troopers investigated and cleared the scene. The roadway reopened at approximately 1 p.m. The Florida Highway Patrol investigation remains ongoing.
We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the teenager who died and hope the injured teen makes a full recovery.
Where the Crash Happened: SR-54 East of Old County Rd 54
State Road 54 is a major east-west corridor through Pasco County, carrying regional traffic while also providing access to local roads, neighborhoods, and businesses. The area east of Old County Road 54 combines through traffic with vehicles entering and leaving nearby access points.
Unlike a limited-access interstate, this type of highway may include intersections, driveways, roadside utilities, and other fixed objects near the traveled roadway. Those features can become important when investigators document where a vehicle left the pavement.
What We Know
- The crash happened around 3:45 a.m. on Sunday.
- A Chevrolet Traverse was involved.
- The vehicle struck a utility pole and then a tree.
- A 15-year-old passenger died after being hospitalized.
- Another teenager suffered serious injuries.
- State Road 54 was closed for several hours and reopened around 1 p.m.
- The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
Why Roadside Impacts Can Cause Severe Injuries
When a vehicle leaves a highway and strikes fixed objects, the force of the crash can be concentrated over a short distance. Utility poles and trees do not move easily on impact, which can cause a rapid transfer of energy into the vehicle and its occupants.
In this case, investigators will examine the path from State Road 54 to the utility pole and tree. Damage to the SUV and the locations of the roadside impacts may help establish the sequence and severity of the collision.
How This Collision Is Investigated
Florida Highway Patrol investigators may document tire marks, debris, vehicle damage, and the point where the SUV departed the roadway. The final resting position and the damage to the roadside objects can also help reconstruct the vehicle’s movement.
Troopers may compare that physical evidence with statements, available vehicle data, and other records connected to the incident. Because the crash resulted in a death and serious injury, the investigation may continue after the roadway has reopened.
What to Do After a Fatal Crash
Families and other eligible parties affected by a fatal Florida crash should preserve medical records, photographs, insurance correspondence, and documents related to the vehicle and investigation. The completed crash report may contain information that was not available during the initial emergency response.
Florida crash reports are maintained by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles through the Florida Crash Portal at services.flhsmv.gov/crashreportpurchasing, also identified as FloridaCrashPortal.gov. The report form is HSMV 90010 (Long/Short Form).
The fee is $10.00 per report plus a $2.00 transaction convenience fee for an online request. Officers have 10 days to file a report, and online reports are available immediately once posted.
During the restricted period, reports may be requested by parties involved, their attorneys or legal representatives, and licensed insurance agents under § 316.066. Florida crash reports remain confidential for the first 60 days and become public afterward.
Local Accident Reports compiles incident information from official agencies and credible local sources. Details from initial reports may be updated as official investigations conclude. If you have direct knowledge that any information here is inaccurate, please contact us so we can review and correct the record.
