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Highlands Today

Lake Placid Man Killed In Sunday Accident

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Brad Dickerson

Published: February 16, 2009

A Lake Placid man died Sunday following a two-vehicle accident at U.S. Hwy. 27 and Shore Line Drive.

Anthony Vangelas, 83, of Lake Placid, was killed after his 2000 Cadillac Deville was struck by a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by Leticia Palacios-Trujillo, 26, also of Lake Placid, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Vangelas was leaving the Sweetbay parking lot and tried to cross over the northbound lanes of 27 and came directly into the path of the Grand Cherokee, the FHP said.

The front of the Jeep hit the left side of Vangelas' Cadillac, causing the car to rotate counterclockwise and eventually come to rest in the southbound left turn lane of 27.

Vangelas was pronounced dead at the crash scene. Palacios-Trujillo was transported to Florida Hospital Lake Placid in serious condition, according to the FHP.

A passenger, Elliot Vazquez, 4, was also taken to Florida Hospital Lake Placid for treatment of minor injuries.

Vangelas was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, the FHP said. Palacios-Trujillo was also restrained, while Vazquez was not wearing a belt, authorities said.

The FHP said charges are pending the investigation. Total damage from the crash was $24,000.

Trooper Jay Spencer investigated.

Highlands Today reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at (863) 386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com

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