MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Two teenagers died and two others were injured in a car crash on U.S. Highway 301 at approximately 2:15 a.m. on August 8.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a Dodge Charger left the roadway and struck several trees. The driver of the vehicle also perished in the incident.
The deceased were identified as 18-year-old Finn Hammerl and another unnamed passenger. Two other occupants, a 16-year-old female and a 17-year-old male, sustained serious injuries. Authorities confirmed that only the female was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Finn Hammerl's mother, Kyra McElroy, described her son as a vibrant individual known for his kindness and charisma. He graduated from Parrish Community High School and aspired to become a commercial pilot.
In the wake of the tragedy, Hammerl's stepbrother, Race Zoetmulder, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist the family with expenses, which has raised over $11,000.
The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Further details will be released as available.