NewsPalm Beach CountyRegion C Palm Beach County

Actions

Driver killed in overnight crash on Florida's Turnpike in Palm Beach County

wptv-fatal-crash-turnpike.jpg
Posted at 4:44 AM, Nov 01, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-01 13:00:44-04

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol said a driver died early Friday morning after crashing into a tree in an attempt to avoid a vehicle changing lanes on Florida’s Turnpike in central Palm Beach County.

The wreck occurred at 2:35 a.m. on the Turnpike northbound just south of mile marker 98 near the Southern Boulevard exit.

The Florida Highway Patrol said a 2009 Dodge Caliber, driven by Nicholas N. Polycarpo, 25, of Loxahatchee, was traveling northbound in the right lane of the Turnpike.

At this same time, an unknown vehicle was traveling in the left lane and attempted to change lanes from the left lane to the right lane.

Polycarpo swerved to the right to avoid a collision with the unknown truck, and the vehicle began to rotate clockwise. As the Dodge Caliber rotated clockwise, it struck a tree with its left side.

After impact with the tree, the Dodge came to final rest in the right shoulder.

Polycarpo died at the scene. A passenger in the Dodge suffered serious injuries and was taken to St. Mary's Medical Center.

No charges have been filed. The case is still pending investigation.