FHP: Driver in Thanksgiving Eve fatal crash sped over 100 mph north of Ocala
The man accused of causing a fatal crash the day before Thanksgiving was driving more than 100 mph when he struck the other vehicle, the Florida Highway Patrol reports.
Logan Levi Alexander Weir passed a UPS semitractor-trailer on U.S. 441 North and then came up behind a KIA Sedona SUV, which was travelling at the posted 65 mph.
The ensuing crash killed a woman and her grown daughter and injured four other members of their family. Weir was arrested on numerous DUI-related charges.
Fatal wreck: 2 dead, 4 injured in U.S. 441 crash north of Ocala. Driver charged with DUI manslaughter
More on the crash: Thanksgiving eve traffic crash killed 2 and injured 4 in Marion County: What we know
Day after Thanksgiving: 2 killed Friday in crash in Ocala National Forest; one was passing on double yellow line
Wednesday: Ocala woman, 28, killed in single-vehicle crash in NW Marion County
FHP officials have sent a sample of Weir's blood to be analyzed at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement laboratory. Their investigation continues, though they have learned enough to provide the vehicle speed estimates.
Weir was driving an older model Chevy Silverado northbound on U.S. 441. The crash happened south of Northwest 95th Street.
GoFundMe account established to help victims
A GoFundMe.com account has been created to help the victims, who are from Homestead in south Florida. It has raised $78,365 so far with a goal of $100,000.
"Given the unexpectedness of this tragedy, morgue and funeral expenses have also come as a surprise. The family wishes to hold a service in loving memory of Adriana and Heidy when possible," the fund description says.
"We are going to continue to raise money to help the Martinezes during this time of grieving and unprecedented expenses and in anticipation of hefty medical bills."
Adriana Martinez, 61, and her 32-year-old daughter, Heidy, died in the crash. They were seated in the back of the SUV.
Adriana's husband was driving and her son was in the passenger seat. The men were treated for injuries but are no longer hospitalized.
The son's wife and their 10-month-old daughter were in the back of the vehicle. The child remains at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville. Her mother is at Ocala Regional Medical Center.
"While they are on the road to recovery, it is uncertain how long they will be hospitalized for, and how long it'll be before this family can return to work," the GoFundMe page states.
The family was headed to North Carolina for Thanksgiving when the crash happened.
Multiple charges lodged against Weir
Troopers have charged Weir, the Chevy driver, with two counts of DUI manslaughter, two counts of DUI with serious bodily injuries and two counts of DUI property damages and injuries.
The 32-year-old man was booked into the Marion County Jail and released after he posted a $22,000 bond.
Local court records show Weir has been cited numerous times for traffic violations since 2006.
He has been cited for speeding four times; in each instance, adjudication was withheld. Other offenses include violation of traffic control device and excessive noise.
Survivor posts to Instagram
In an emotional Instagram post, one of the survivors of the crash said his mother and sister died in the crash. He said he doesn't know how he survived, and called it a miracle that he made it.
The man said his wife and daughter are recovering and both have brain trauma. He said his wife suffered multiple fractures.
He said he has faith in God, and he knows his wife and daughter will live. He tells those listening that their prayers are working, and he may not make the funeral because of his daughter's condition.
The man said his father is doing well, and the family thanks people for their support.
About the crash, he said something like that shouldn't happen to anyone. He also said people should not drink and drive. If the situation does arise, he urges drivers to pull over, sleep it off or call someone.
Contact Austin L. Miller at 867-4118, austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Fatal crash in Marion: Car was driving over 100 mph, report says
