Tragedy struck on Tuesday afternoon when a crash on Interstate 75 near State Road 326 left one man dead and four others injured. The men involved were reportedly returning to Naples after completing hurricane cleanup work in Georgia, highlighting the ongoing recovery efforts from recent storms.
Authorities have confirmed the identity of the deceased as Jounel L. Hyppolite, a 44-year-old from Haiti. His loss adds to the community’s grief as family and friends mourn his passing.
Among the injured individuals transported to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital for medical attention are Anold Drive, 48; Zamor Ovenson, 27; Previl Alexis, 40; and a fourth man, whose identity has not yet been disclosed by law enforcement officials. All of the injured men hail from Haiti, further reflecting the diverse backgrounds of those involved in recovery efforts.
FHP officials revealed that Alexis was driving a Honda Odyssey in the inside southbound lane of Interstate 75 when he lost control of the vehicle at the crest of a hill near mile marker 358, just past the SR 326 exit. This part of the roadway has been known for its challenging conditions.
Preliminary reports indicate that the right rear tire of the minivan suffered a blowout, which may have contributed to the loss of control. The van then veered left, striking the grassy median before ultimately re-entering the road, where it was violently T-boned by a southbound Amazon semitractor-trailer. The truck driver, a 59-year-old from Hallandale Beach, was unable to prevent the devastating collision.
The impact sent the minivan off the roadway and down a steep grassy embankment, where it came to a halt. Tragically, Hyppolite, a passenger in the vehicle, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Meanwhile, the truck driver sustained minor injuries in the crash.
According to officials, Drive and Alexis are currently listed in serious condition, while the unidentified individual and Ovenson are in critical condition, indicating the severity of the injuries sustained in the crash.
The investigation remains active as Troopers work diligently to piece together the circumstances surrounding the accident. The wreck caused significant disruption, blocking southbound traffic for several miles, prompting authorities to divert motorists at the SR 326 exit.
Notably, this tragic incident marks the 86th traffic fatality in unincorporated Marion County this year alone. This figure excludes traffic-related deaths occurring within the city limits of Ocala, Belleview, or Dunnellon, emphasizing the need for safe driving practices.
In stark contrast, last year, the 86th traffic death in the county did not occur until December 9. A total of 92 individuals lost their lives on the county’s roadways throughout 2023. At this point in the previous year, 76 traffic fatalities had been recorded, reflecting concerning upward trends in road safety.
Contact Austin L. Miller at [email protected]