The Florida Highway Patrol has identified the three people killed in an early Saturday-morning crash on U.S. Highway 301.

  • 3 people killed in US 301 crash Saturday identified by FHP
  • Troopers say crash happened as car tried to pass another
  • Crash remains under investigation

The crash happened at about 5:41 a.m. at U.S. 301 near Stacy Road in Thonotosassa.

According to troopers, 28-year-old Elisa Chantel Riquelme of Zephyrhills was killed when her Volkswagen Beetle hit a Ford Explorer head on.
 
Matthew Alfonso Garcia, 24, of Riverview, and Corey Samuel Dormany, 24, of Seffner were in the Explorer.

All three died at the scene.

Troopers said the crash happened as Riquelme traveled southbound on 301 and moved into the northbound lane to pass a car. The Volkswagen collided head on with the Explorer, ejecting Garcia.

Two other vehicles also were involved in the crash.

A Ford F-150 in the northbound lanes collided with the back of the Explorer, which caught on fire. The fourth vehicle, a Chevy pickup truck hit the back of the F-150.

One person in the F-150 suffered minor injuries and was treated at an area hospital.

An investigation into the crash is ongoing.