PALM BAY, Fla. — A fatal chain-reaction crash on Interstate 95 in Titusville began when a driver struck an alligator in the roadway, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened near mile marker 214.
Troopers said the driver of a Mercedes attempted to avoid the alligator but ultimately hit the animal, causing catastrophic damage to the vehicle and leaving it disabled in the roadway.
A woman driving a pickup truck behind the Mercedes then tried to avoid the wreck, investigators said. The pickup crashed and overturned, ejecting the driver into the center lane of I-95.
FHP said a third vehicle subsequently struck the woman and fled the scene.
Family members identified the victim as 20-year-old Cassi Taylor of Palm Bay.
Troopers are continuing to investigate the crash and are searching for evidence that could help identify the driver who left the scene after striking Taylor.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Florida Highway Patrol.
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