Two people are dead after a crash Saturday on State Road 44 in Citrus County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
- 2 dead and 2 injured in crash on SR-44 in Citrus County
- A Jeep crossed the center median and overturned
- The motorcycle tried to avoid collision but overturned as well
Just before 10 p.m., a Jeep was traveling east on SR-44 in Lecanto when it crossed the center median and overturned in the westbound lanes. A motorcycle tried to avoid colliding with the overturned Jeep, but also overturned, troopers said.
The driver of the motorcycle, John McKenzie, 53, was also injured and taken to Bayonet Point Hospital in serious condition. His passenger, Brenda McKenzie, 46, died at the scene.
Members of Brenda McKenzie's family are struggling to cope with the loss.
"She was my best friend. She was my mom," said Brenda McKenzie's daughter, Rebecca. "It's going to be a tough time to live without her, really tough."
Rebecca described her mother as "incredibly generous."
"Anytime we needed anything she was always there," said Rebecca. "Anytime anyone needed anything she was always there."
According to Rebecca, Brenda McKenzie was diagnosed with cancer just last week. In the wake of the diagnosis, she was doing her best to stay strong.
"She was an amazing woman," said Rebecca.
The driver of the Jeep, Trevor Clements, 22, was ejected and also pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, Eric Selke, 22, of Citrus Springs was taken to Shands Hospital with serious injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol said charges in the crash are pending.