Man, 67, dead after crashing into tree in Alachua County

Troopers investigate after Ronnie Denham's truck collides with tree

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – A Gainesville man is dead after crashing into a tree in Alachua County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

It happened around 5:20 p.m. Thursday on Southeast County Road 325.

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Ronnie Denham, 67, was traveling north on SE C.R. 325, just north of the Cross Creek area, at or around the posted 55 mph speed limit, according to FHP investigators.

For unknown reasons, Denham allowed his F-150 pickup truck to veer or drift off the pavement onto the right grassy shoulder, troopers said. Denham's truck then continued down the shoulder of the roadway, veering toward the right.

The front-right side of the truck eventually crashed into a large oak tree, FHP said. A passerby who discovered Denham called 911.

Denham was taken to UF Health Trauma Center, where he was later pronounced dead, according to FHP.

Troopers said there was no indication of impairment. The cause of the crash is under investigation, pending a medical examiner's review.