Teen Critically Injured in Three-Car Pile Up

Teen Critically Injured in Three-Car Pile Up East of Bronson The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a three-vehicle crash that occurred on State Road 24 east of Bronson. The crash resulted in life threatening injuries to an Archer teenager. A 1999 Saturn, driven by Nathan Lastra, 18, of Bronson was traveling east on State Road 24 and had stopped while attempting to make a left turn onto NE 96th Place. A 2004 Ford Pickup driven by Tim Rogers, 51, of Archer was also traveling eastbound on State Road 24. The Ford pickup rear-ended Lastra's Saturn causing severe damage to the rear of the car and critically injuring a rear seat passenger, John Deemer, 18, of Archer. A 2004 Honda automobile driven by Ashley Rhodes, 26, of Archer, was traveling behind the Ford pickup. After the pickup struck the Saturn, Rhodes' vehicle struck the rear of the pickup. Lastra and his passenger, and another teenager, 17, of Bronson received minor injuries. Rogers and Rhodes were not injured in the crash. Deemer was transported to Shands Hospital in Gainesville with life threatening injuries. FHP Troopers from the Cross City and Gainesville Districts are continuing the investigation. Levy County Journal Bronson March 17, 2011