SARASOTA, Fla. — An 18-year-old woman has died and a 16-year-old is seriously hurt after an SUV crashed into a tree in Sarasota, authorities said.
The crash happened just before 1:30 a.m. on Beneva Road at Beneva Terrace just north of Webber Street, deputies said.
The teen was driving an SUV southbound on Beneva Road south of White Sulphur Place when she "failed to maintain control" of the SUV. That's when the SUV crossed over the median and hit the tree.
The 18-year-old died at the scene. Her 16-year-old passenger, who FHP troopers said was not wearing a seatbelt, was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.
Southbound Beneva Road is currently closed for the time being. Drivers are being asked to find an alternate route and avoid the area for the time being.