SUV, 3 horses involved in crash on State Road 44 in Lake County, FHP says
EUSTIS, Fla. - Three horses were struck by an SUV early Friday in Lake County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol and a local horse business owner who responded to the scene.
Troopers said a 56-year-old Eustis woman was driving a 2025 Ford Explorer that was involved in the crash with the horses. The driver was not injured and remained at the scene.
What we know:
The crash happened about 4:18 a.m. near State Road 44 and Donna Vista Place in Eustis, FHP said.
The SUV sustained extensive damage and had to be towed, according to FHP.
An initial account from FHP indicated the horses appeared to be OK and had been taken by their owner.
The owner of Dream Horse Equestrian Center said he responded to the scene after receiving a call about the crash and told FOX 35 News that the horses did not belong to him. He said one horse died at the scene and the other two were later euthanized.
State Road 44 was temporarily closed while crews cleared the scene but has since reopened.
What we don't know:
The owner of the horses has not been identified by the FHP and details as to how they got loose and ended up on the highway were not immediately released. FOX 35 News has reached out to the FHP for clarification on whether all three horses died in the incident and additional details that led to the crash.
The case remains under investigation.
The Source: This story was written with information released by the Florida Highway Patrol.