Florida man killed in crash after hitting 11-foot alligator on roadway

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida man died Thursday after he hit an alligator with his car.

Hillsborough County deputies said John Hopkins, 59, was driving east on County Road 672 in Lithia when he hit an 11-foot alligator that was on the roadway.

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Deputies said his car veered off the road and overturned into a ditch. A passing driver saw the car and called 911.

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Investigators said Hopkins died on the scene, and the alligator was also killed in the crash.

Deputies said the investigation into the accident is ongoing.

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