Three hurt in wreck on U.S. 19

By JORGE SANCHEZ

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 17, 2000

HOMOSASSA -- A car crash on U.S. 19 near Homosassa on Thursday evening injured three people, including a 4-month-old girl, authorities said Friday.

Karen Ford Bensette, 20, 2326 E Stanley Ter., and her daughter, Chloe, 4 months old, were airlifted to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa after the crash on U.S. 19 and Suffolk Terrace. Karen Bensette was in fair condition Friday, and Chloe was treated and released.

The driver of the second vehicle, Patrick L. Ottinger Jr., 28, was discharged from Seven Rivers Community Hospital in Crystal River on Thursday.

The crash occurred at 6:10 p.m., as Bensette attempted to cross the northbound lanes of U.S. 19 to enter Suffolk Terrace, according to a report by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Bensette's vision was obscured by a vehicle on her passenger side in the center turn lane. She pulled onto U.S. 19 and was struck by Ottinger's work van, traveling north. Bensette was charged with failure to yield right of way.

In other public safety news:

One of the four people hit by lightning near a golf course Tuesday remains in critical condition.

Don Crist, 66, of Crystal River, was taken to Shands at the University of Florida, Gainesville after being hit by lightning Tuesday. On Friday, a hospital spokesman said he remained in critical condition.

Authorities think Crist took a direct hit. The four people were struck while seeking shelter beneath a covered golf bag rack at Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club. The three other people affected by the lightning strike have been released from area hospitals.

A Dunnellon man was injured after losing control of his car and striking a power pole and a parked car early Friday.

Christopher James Greaux, 21, 7278 W Riverbend Road, Dunnellon, was airlifted to Shands at the University of Florida, Gainesville, suffering from a skull fracture. A hospital spokesman said he was in serious condition Friday.

The single-car crash occurred at 5:30 a.m. Friday on W Pine Ridge Boulevard about 2 miles west of County Road 491, according to a report from the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. Greaux, driving a 1989 Lincoln, was traveling west about 75 mph and went off the road at a curve. The car slid, struck a power pole and then a parked vehicle.

Greaux was not charged immediately after the wreck. The report said charges are pending the results of blood alcohol tests.

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