A 55-year-old Zephyrhills man was killed Monday night in a crash on State Road 54, and troopers are searching for the driver of a pickup truck who fled the scene.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the man was operating a moped eastbound on SR-54 around 8:52 p.m., east of Lamar Road. Ahead of him, another 55-year-old Zephyrhills man was walking along the eastbound lanes.
Troopers said the moped struck the pedestrian, causing both men to fall to the ground. The moped operator was ejected and landed in the roadway. Moments later, an eastbound Chevrolet Silverado struck the rider.
The moped operator died at the scene, FHP said. The pedestrian suffered injuries in the initial impact, though his condition was not immediately released.
The Silverado, described as an older model black Chevrolet pickup, possibly a 2000 model year, was driven by a white female believed to be between 30 and 40 years old. Troopers said she did not stop after the collision and fled eastbound.
Investigators are urging anyone with information about the crash or the whereabouts of the driver to contact the Florida Highway Patrol at *FHP (*347) or call Crime Stoppers at **TIP