Sarasota woman killed in accident

LAKEWOOD RANCH — A 51-year-old Sarasota woman died yesterday after her vehicle entered the path of a Mack truck on State Road 70, east of Greenbrook Boulevard.

A Florida Highway Patrol report states Joan Gootjes Rhoat was driving eastbound on State Road 70 when her vehicle traveled into the westbound lane and into the path of a Mack truck driving by Michael Bonfilio, of Jupiter.

Bonfilio took evasive action by swerving to the right onto the north shoulder of S.R. 70, but Rhoat's vehicle struck the left side of the truck's trailer, the report states.

Rhoat's vehicle caught on fire after spinning and coming to a rest in the eastbound lane of S.R. 70. Bonfilio's vehicle came to a rest, blocking part of the west lane.

No skid marks were found on the roadway, the report states.

Bonfilio survived the accident without injuries.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].