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FHP: Disabled motorist struck and killed by hit-and-run driver in Lake County

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FHP: Disabled motorist struck and killed by hit-and-run driver FILE IMAGE: Patrol car light bar (gorodenkoff/Getty Images/iStockphoto)
(gorodenkoff/Getty Images/iStockphoto)

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Troopers say a man whose car broke down Monday night near Clermont ended up being struck and killed by an SUV.

Now, Florida Highway Patrol is looking for the driver of that SUV who officials said left the scene after the crash.

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It happened along U.S. 27 near Margaux Drive shortly before 7 p.m.

Investigators said the driver of a tow truck was helping a man with a disabled vehicle.

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FHP said the tow truck was parked partially on the outside lane and the shoulder of southbound U.S. 27, working to remove the broken down car.

The disabled driver was standing behind his disabled car, waving to signal traffic to move over to the next lane.

But one oncoming vehicle failed to move over and struck the man in the roadway, investigators said.

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Troopers said the pedestrian was thrown from the impact and struck the driver’s side mirror of the parked tow truck.

He died at the crash site.

FHP said the SUV, later described by a witness as a white KIA Soul with an Indiana license plate, continued southbound on U.S. 27, then turned right onto Margaux Drive before striking a decorative rock in the center median.

Investigators said that driver then turned around, reentered U.S. 27 southbound, and drove away from the crash scene.

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Troopers are asking for the public’s help to identify the fleeing driver and locate the SUV involved in the deadly crash.

Anyone with tips is urged to call FHP at 407-737-2213 OR CRIMELINE AT 1-800- 423-TIPS.

FHP did not identify the man who was struck and killed, but said he was a resident of Auburndale, age 37.

The tow truck driver was not hurt, troopers said.

The crash remains under investigation.

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