2 dead, 2 hospitalized in Courtney Campbell Causeway crash
TAMPA, Fla. - Two people are dead, and two others were hospitalized after an early-morning crash on the Courtney Campbell Causeway.
All lanes were closed for the investigation for about six hours. Around 11 a.m., Clearwater police reopened the eastbound lanes. All lanes were opened to traffic around noon.
According to Tampa police, they received reports of the crash around 3:42 a.m., with callers saying a vehicle flipped over, and multiple people were ejected. When Clearwater and Tampa officers arrived, they found two vehicles involved.
Traffic homicide investigators said preliminary information showed that a 2017 Nissan GT-R sports car rear-ended a 2005 Kia Sorento SUV, causing the Kia to overturn.
The driver of the Nissan was identified as 33-year-old Joshua Roelofs, who is a former Polk County Sheriff's deputy. Tampa police said Roelofs stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Police said no charges have been filed at this time, but the investigation is still ongoing.
The Kia had four occupants inside, all of whom were ejected from the vehicle in the crash.
Police said two men who were inside the second vehicle passed away at the scene. Both were 44 years old. A 36-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman who were also in the SUV were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Investigators said the names of the people in the SUV are being withheld in case they are the victims of a crime.
A Tampa police spokesperson said traffic homicide investigators believe "alcohol and improper seatbelt use" were factors in the crash.