Pinellas Park Police Department
2007-13180
Dunedin Teenager Killed, Four Injured in Single Car Crash
Pinellas Park Police traffic homicide investigators are investigating a single car crash that occurred in the 8500 block of U.S. 19. The crash was reported at approximately 6:18 p.m. on Friday, May 04, 2007.
Witnesses say a 1999 red Jeep Cherokee was speeding southbound on U.S. 19, and was weaving in and out of traffic making multiple and rapid lane changes. The driver apparently lost control and in trying to regain control, the Jeep slid onto the grass shoulder of the roadway. The Jeep then struck the pavement while sliding and caused the jeep to roll over an estimated four times. At least three of the occupants were ejected from the Jeep onto the roadway during the rollovers.
Investigators have determined that there were a total of five occupants, including the driver Teele, who later died at Bayfront Medical Center due to injuries sustained in the crash. All occupants are teens and their parents responded to the hospitals, both Bayront Medical Center and All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg.
The occupants have been identified as:
Driver:
Derek G. Teele, white male, 17, Dunedin, FL, Student at Dunedin Senior High School (Deceased)
Occupants:
Eric W. Evans, white male, 17, Dunedin, FL, Student at Dunedin Senior High School
(Non-Life threatening injuries)
Brandon B. Sarnick, white male, 18, Dunedin, FL
(Life threatening injuries)
Rachel L. Tate, white female, 15, New Port Richey, FL
(Non-Life threatening injuries)
Brieanna Rae Chisholm, 16, Springhill, FL
(Non-Life threatening injuries)
Traffic homicide investigators are continuing to interview all parties involved and gathering information to best determine the exact causes of this crash.
The Pinellas County Schools Police Department was contacted regarding the deceased student and will make the appropriate notifications regarding counselors for other students.
Released by: Lieutenant Paul Andrews, Public Information Officer, 727-541-0787
