Troopers: Woman dies in hit-and-run crash involving a semi in Clay County

Maria Ocasio, 50, died following a hit-and-run crash on US 17 Friday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Photos from scene: Woman dies in hit-and-run crash involving a semi on US 17, troopers say

Troopers tell Action News Jax around 7 a.m., a semi-truck traveling southbound on US 17 in the center lane, suddenly changed lanes and struck the woman's car -- causing her to lose control and spiral into a ditch.

I was told by @FHPJacksonville this car was struck by a semi-truck on US17 causing it to lose control and go into this ditch under the bridge. The driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene @ActionTraffic @WOKVNews @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/OVacPFARvo
— Alicia Tarancon (@AliciaANJax) March 15, 2019

FHP said the woman was dead at the scene.

The semi-trailer involved in the crash reportedly continued on U.S. 17 after the crash.

Sgt. Dillion Bryan said the deputy jumped back in his cruiser and tracked down the semi a couple of miles down U.S. 17.

He says the driver of that semi is cooperating with law enforcement.

The semi-trailer driver was arrested for leaving the scene of a traffic crash resulting in fatality, according to the FHP report.

“This is a fatal traffic crash and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and all involved in this case,” said Bryan.

All southbound lanes on US 17 have reopened after being closed for nearly 5 hours.

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Clay County Fatal Crash: US 17 near Westover Road. Hit and Run. Semi vs. Vehicle. One confirmed deceased on scene. Semi continued on US 17. More info to follow. Expect delays in area. pic.twitter.com/5wfjM8lW5b
— FHPJacksonville (@FHPJacksonville) March 15, 2019