Release posted on 05-31-26 at 9:38 AM

On May 31st 2026, at 1:15 a.m. a Mercedes sedan driven by Cleveland Sanders (45, St. Petersburg, FL) was traveling westbound on 18th Avenue South, approaching 29th St. S. when, for an unknown reason, he suddenly crossed the median and struck an eastbound black Nissan sedan head-on.

The Nissan was being driven by Clifford Washington (27, St. Petersburg, FL) and he had a front seat passenger, Dy'Jean Roberts (26, St. Petersburg, FL).

After the crash stabilized, an Oldsmobile, driven by Terrell Burney, (51, St. Petersburg, FL) was traveling westbound on 18th Avenue South and failed to stop and collided with the front of the Nissan.

Roberts was removed to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital St. Petersburg where he died from his injuries.

Sanders and Washington were removed to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital St. Petersburg with critical injuries and subsequently airlifted to Tampa General Hospital with life threatening injuries.

Burney was assessed on scene and released.

The investigation is ongoing.