Crime & Safety
Grandfather Killed in Minivan Crash at Curlew, Challenger Drive
The Indiana man's 13-year-old grandson was unhurt after his vehicle made an 'abrupt lane change and left the roadway, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reports.
A 70-year-old Indiana man was killed Thursday morning after he apparently lost control of his minivan and crashed at Curlew Road and Challenger Drive in Dunedin, authorities said.
Martin Avolt was headed westbound on Curlew sometime before 9:30 a.m. when his 13-year-old grandson pointed out he was in a right turn only lane at the Waterford Crossing subdivision, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Avolt made an "abrupt lane change" to the left, deputies said, struck the quick curb traffic barriers, crossed the eastbound lanes of Curlew and went off the roadway. His 2002 Dodge Caravan struck two chain link fences, went down into a ravine and came to rest against a tree.
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The grandson, who was not injured, exited the vehicle and flagged down
deputies, who called Emergency Services. Avolt was taken to Mease
Countryside Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Deputies say a medical condition may have been a contributing factor in him losing control of the vehicle.
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Avolt's home address is in Lafayette, IN, is the Tippecanoe County coroner, according to the sheriff's office.
The crash is still under investigation.
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