Reckless driver dies in Lakewood accident

LAKEWOOD RANCH — One man is dead after a car crash on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard last night.

According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, on 8:25 p.m., Aug. 23, Sammy K. Pletcher Jr. lost control of his vehicle when he tried to pass vehicles in a left-turn lane in the 4800 block of northbound Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. During the maneuver, the left tires of Pletcher's 2001 Chevrolet coupe struck a raised concrete curb. Pletcher lost control of his car, and it began to rotate counter-clockwise.

Pletcher's car rotated into the center grass median and struck the right side of a southbound 2004 Cadillac SUV driven by Amy Hall. In addition to Hall, a 2-year-old and 4-year-old were riding inside the Cadillac, the report states.

Pletcher died from his injuries in the accident. Hall and the children were taken to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and treated for minor injuries.