Pinellas Park Police Department
Fatal Pedestrian Crash
Case# - 20090034275

Friday, December 18, 2009
Time of crash – 6:25 AM

Location: Intersection of 66 Street and 70 Avenue

Victim - Nora Hernandez-Huapilla (age 17) of Pinellas Park

Vehicle Driver – David M. Hoover (age 32) of St. Petersburg

Vehicle – 2007 Red Hyundai 4D

Nora Hernandez-Huapilla and her friend were enroute to catch their school bus at a bus stop at 70 Avenue and 66 Street.  Victim and schoolmate were on the Southeast corner of the intersection and saw the school bus stopped at the pickup point which is on the Southwest corner of 66 Street and 70 Avenue.  The bus was on 70 Avenue facing East (just West of 66 Street).  The two girls did not want to miss the bus so they ran across 66 Street, within the crosswalk, from the SE corner towards the SW corner.  David Hoover was traveling Northbound on 66 Street in the median lane, driving a 2007 Hyundai automobile.  The traffic signal at this intersection was showing a green light for North and Southbound traffic.  The light was red for the pedestrians.  The two girls ran in front of Hoover's vehicle and the victim, Hernandez-Huapilla, was struck by the front of the car.  The victim was transported to Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg where she died shortly after arrival.

Although this investigation is continuing, investigators do not believe that excessive speed, alcohol or any other impairment was involved. It was dark and raining at the time, and there are street lights operating in this area.  No charges against the driver are expected at this time.

The victim is a student at Pinellas Park High School.  Family and the school she attended have been notified.