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.
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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