Driver on life support after crash

The man failed to negotiate a curve on Seminole Boulevard and hit a guardrail. He was ejected from the van.

By LEON M. TUCKER

© St. Petersburg Times, published October 18, 2000

SEMINOLE -- A Madeira Beach man was in critical condition Tuesday after he lost control of his van and was ejected along Seminole Boulevard, deputies said.

Lemuel Wilson Purdum IV, 51, of 150 John's Pass Board Walk Apt. C, was on life support at St. Petersburg General Hospital, according to sheriff's spokeswoman Marianne Pasha.

Investigators say Purdum was driving his 1987 Dodge van east off the Welch Causeway about 2:30 a.m. and approached the interchange connecting the causeway to Seminole Boulevard and Bay Pines Boulevard.

"He did not negotiate the curve heading northeast up Seminole Boulevard," Pasha said.

"The van struck the guardrail on the right side of the road and rocked across the road, ejecting Purdum through the passenger's window in the process," she said.

Investigators say Purdum was not wearing a seat belt.

Pasha said a passing motorist discovered Purdum on the side of the road under the Bay Pines overpass off Seminole Boulevard, about 100 feet from the vehicle.

"Paramedics were able to revive Purdum but due to the extreme nature of his injuries he is not expected to live," she said.

Investigators say alcohol played a role in the crash, Pasha said.

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