A 17-year-old driver was killed Thursday afternoon when his vehicle struck a tree in north Tampa.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Jordan Luis Rodriguez was killed when the 1999 Chevrolet Lumina he was driving went off the road and struck a tree on Northdale Boulevard near Silverhill Drive.
Deputies said Rodriguez was using his cell phone at the time of the crash.
Rodriguez failed to negotiate a left hand curve, lost control, crossed the southbound lanes and struck a tree on the passenger side, authorities said.
Rodriguez, who was not wearing his seat belt, died at the scene.
Officials said alcohol was not a factor in the crash.
An investigation is ongoing.