A 78-year-old man died Tuesday afternoon after losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a ditch. 

  • 78-year-old man killed in single-vehicle crash
  • Wilbert Thomas lost control of vehicle on US 19
  • Thomas crashed into sign, ditch

The Florida Highway Patrol said the accident occurred on US 19 and Long Fellow Drive in Citrus County around 3:12 p.m. 

Wilbert Thomas, 78, was traveling southbound on US 19 when troopers said for an unknown reason, Thomas left the roadway and entered the median, colliding with a construction sign. 

Thomas continued across the northbound lanes and entered a water ditch along the east shoulder. 

Thomas was transported to Seven Rivers Hospital where he passed away.

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.