Woman killed when car hits pole

A Spring Hill 57-year-old, known for her friendliness and selflessness, loses control and crashes into a street light.

By JAMIE MALERNEE

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 27, 2000

SPRING HILL -- One month ago, as Danielle Lepurage prepared to marry and become Danielle Moreland, her mother escorted her down the aisle.

On Wednesday, Moreland took comfort in those and other memories after her mother, Aida "Joyce" Lepurage, was killed in an accident. The 57-year-old Spring Hill resident lost control of her car and crashed into a street light on Mariner Boulevard while on her way to Land O'Lakes, where she was an office manager at Signs and Specialties.

"I can't believe this . . . At least I have the (wedding) pictures," Moreland said.

Ms. Lepurage, of 3464 Montano Ave., was known for her friendliness and selflessness, her daughter said. She loved to dance, listen to Motown music, chat with friends and travel.

One of the things her mother had always wanted to do before she died, Moreland said, was go to the Florida Keys. A few years ago, mother and daughter fulfilled that dream and spent time together on the sandy beaches.

"It was wonderful," Moreland said.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident. Hernando County sheriff's spokeswoman Deanna Dammer said Lepurage was traveling south on Mariner Boulevard, approaching its intersection with County Line Road, at 8:18 a.m. when she rounded a bend and crashed her 1998 red Saturn four-door.

The car flipped and landed on its roof. Ms. Lepurage was pronounced dead at the scene, apparently from head injuries. Dammer said it appears Ms. Lepurage may have taken the curve too quickly, causing her to lose control.

Ms. Lepurage is survived by her daughter and son, Jason Lepurage and a son-in-law, Elijah Moreland. A memorial and funeral are planned for Friday and Saturday, but times have not been set.

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