Baby becomes second fatality in I-75 crash

TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) - Troopers say a dump truck slammed into several vehicles along Interstate 75 yesterday, causing a crash that killed two people, including a 2-month-old baby.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, it was around 2:30 p.m. Monday when the truck encountered thick southbound traffic in a construction zone just south of Fowler Avenue. The driver, 74-year-old Daniel Ragan of Spring Hill, did not slow down and his truck crashed into several vehicles and overturned onto a van, crushing it.

The driver of the van, 45-year-old David Garcia of Inverness, died at the scene. Four other people in a second car – including three children – were injured. The youngest was 2-month-old Asher Gaspard, who was taken to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition.

He passed away Tuesday afternoon, troopers say.

I-75’s southbound lanes were blocked for six hours as crews tried to rescue the victims and move the wreckage from the highway. 

In all, nine vehicles were involved and seven people were hurt, including Ragan, who suffered minor injuries. Troopers say they are still investigating; charges are pending.