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Highlands Today

Man in critical condition following early-morning accident

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By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: June 25, 2009

SEBRING - A two-vehicle accident early Wednesday morning on U.S. 27 involving a tractor-trailer left a Winter Haven man in critical condition.

James Healy, 63, was taken by Aeromed to Lee Memorial Hospital following the crash. His condition remained unchanged after 11 a.m. Wednesday, according to hospital personnel.

Healy was hauling orange juice concentrate in the tractor-trailer when he swerved to avoid hitting an overturned van lying in the outside northbound lane of U.S. 27, near County Road 731, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The van, driven by 30-year-old Reyes Figueroa of Brooksville, began spinning out of control prior to turning over. After Healy swerved, he lost control of his vehicle and the tractor-trailer also overturned.

Healy was thrown from the truck's cab and found face down in a ditch approximately 80 feet away, the FHP said. Both Figueroa and a passenger, Teresita Figueroa, 27, also of Brooksville, were taken to Florida Hospital Lake Placid for treatment of minor injuries.

FHP is investigating whether a third vehicle could have caused Figueroa's van to overturn.

Healy was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, while the Figueroas were. The crash caused $55,000 in damages.

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

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