Driver dies in collision with hog

PUNTA GORDA, FL---Thick fog and a wild hog are being blamed for a fatal accident near Punta Gorda.

Authorities say a pickup truck collided with a hog Wednesday morning, killing the female driver.

Deputies say the Toyota pickup truck struck the hog as the animal was crossing the roadway.

The truck rolled over, killing the driver.

State troopers say 60-year-old Claudette Campbell likely would have survived had she been wearing a seatbelt.

"You're required by law to wear your seatbelt - it's not a choice, and that's the difference between life and death," said Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Edward Pope.

Emergency crews considered dispatching the medical helicopter to assist, but backed off because fog in the area would have prevented it from landing.

Campbell died at the scene.

Pope explained that accidents with animals are fairly common in the area.

"Absolutely. We see a lot of this, especially in the rural areas in Punta Gorda," he said.

Reported by: Christina Mora/WBBH