[8-26-22] Largo High Teen Dies in Crash After Trying to Cross ‘Unlighted Roadway,’

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Florida troopers said a 15-year-old boy has passed away following a Friday morning crash in Pinellas County.

According to troopers, a driver was heading west on Belleair Road, east of South Haven Drive. Meanwhile, the teen, who Pinellas County Schools has identified as Ethan Weiser, attempted to cross two lanes of traffic and was hit by the car. The teen had been walking to the bus stop with his little sister.

The collision happened around 6:45 a.m. Officials described the street as an “unlighted roadway.”

Troopers said the driver, a 60-year-old woman, stopped after the collision occurred. Weiser died at the scene.

On Friday morning, Pinellas County Schools released the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Largo High School student Ethan Weiser, in a tragic accident his morning. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and school community. We have grief counselors at the school and will provide support as we all grieve this heartbreaking loss.”

“My boys go to Largo High, too, and they’re all feeling it right now,” said neighbor Brandon Pitchon. “We just really pray for the family.”

Family members said Ethan was the second oldest of six siblings.

Ethan’s uncle, Matt Croasmun, said he was a great kid with a positive spirit, who was kind, smart, and giving.

“Any time my mom needed something, or someone needed something, he would volunteer,” Croasmun said. “He would help with the kids, watch the kids. He was just a good kid.”

While the family’s grief is still raw, they’re pushing for changes to Belleair Road so no one else loses a child. They, along with neighbors, tell FOX 13 that this stretch of road has been treacherous for years. They say drivers speed well over the limit, there are no crosswalks, the large oak trees can impede visibility, and without street lights, it’s hard for drivers to see in the dark.

As for the driver, she did stay at the scene and cooperate with the investigation. So far, FHP has not said if any charges could be coming or if any other factors led to the crash.

Source: FOX 13

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If you or a loved one were involved in or affected by this accident and would like the incident’s official Police Report, Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas might be able to help.

PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT STATISTICS

Florida continues to be one of the most dangerous states for pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,080 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024. More than 71,000 pedestrians were also injured.

The risks are particularly serious in Florida. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 701 pedestrians were killed in Florida traffic crashes in 2024. Pedestrian deaths accounted for approximately 22% of all traffic fatalities in the state that year.

Florida also ranked second in the nation for pedestrian fatality rates in Smart Growth America’s Dangerous by Design 2024 report. The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area ranked eighth among the nation’s 101 largest metro areas, with 599 pedestrian deaths from 2018 through 2022.

For pedestrians in St. Petersburg and throughout Pinellas County, these numbers highlight the continuing risks of walking near busy roads and intersections. All car accidents can cause serious injuries, but pedestrians are especially vulnerable. Without the protection of a vehicle, even a relatively low-speed collision can cause significant or life-changing injuries.

ST. PETERSBURG PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYERS FOR VICTIMS OF MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian and vehicle collision in St. Petersburg or elsewhere in Pinellas County, personal injury attorneys Sean McQuaid and Jonathon Douglas can help you understand your options for seeking compensation.

McQuaid and Douglas have extensive experience handling motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians. They can investigate what happened, deal with the insurance companies, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.

Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. is one of Florida’s oldest and most established law firms, with a long history of recognition for client advocacy across multiple legal fields. The firm continues to receive professional recognition for its attorneys and legal services. Sean McQuaid has been selected to Florida Super Lawyers every year from 2016 through 2026. In 2026, six Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid attorneys were recognized by Florida Super Lawyers or Rising Stars. The firm was also recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.”

Call Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas at (727) 381-2300 or schedule a free consultation to speak with a St. Petersburg pedestrian accident attorney about your case.

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