LAKE CITY, Fla. – A Cartersville, Georgia, man died after a double tractor-trailer that he was driving overturned in a crash in Columbia County late Tuesday night, authorities said.
The Florida Highway Patrol identified the victim as Wiley F. Perez, 64.
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The wreck was reported just before midnight in the northbound lanes of Interstate 75, just south of Interstate 10.
Troopers said a Chevrolet Tahoe that was traveling “at an extremely slow speed” as the driver attempted to change from the right lane to the center lane and entered into the direct path of the double tractor-trailer being driven by Perez.
Perez tried to swerve to the left to avoid hitting the Tahoe, but struck the left front of the SUV at an angle, according to FHP.
That’s when the trailers jackknifed to the left and the truck slid off the roadway, striking two large pine trees along the shoulder and overturning onto its left side.
Perez was taken to the Lake City Medical Center where he later died from his injuries, troopers said.
The driver of the Tahoe was not injured.
According to FHP, charges are pending investigation.