Driver dies in predawn wreck in Clay County

Troopers looking for another car that may have caused fatal wreck

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – A 52-year-old man died after a single-car wreck in Green Cove Springs before dawn Thursday, and the Florida Highway Patrol is looking for more information about a second vehicle that may have caused the crash.

Troopers said the 2003 Honda Accord left Russell Road near Watkins Road about 5:20 a.m. and struck a tree. The driver, Patsy Ralph Simeoli, of Middleburg, was taken to Orange Park Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

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Troopers investigating why the car left the road said there was a witness report that another car seen veering into the victim's lane just before the crash.

"There could have possibly been a dark-colored car cross the center line ... possibly came in his lane and he took evasive action to avoid the car," FHP Lt. Kevin Blum said.

The FHP is asking anyone else who may have seen something in the area about 5:20 a.m. Thursday to call 904-695-4000.

The road was closed for about two hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.