Crime & Safety
Elderly Driver Dies After Collision Near Eckerd College
Robert Earl Shepherd, 85, died following a crash on 54th Ave S. Wednesday night.
An elderly St. Petersburg driver is dead after his Buick collided with a pickup truck as it was leaving Eckerd College Wednesday night.
Robert Earl Shepherd, 85, was driving out of the main entrance of Eckerd College and heading west on 54th Ave S. at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
He abruptly pulled out in front of the Chevrolet pickup truck, heading east, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department's press release. According to the release, Shepherd "violated the right of way."
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The pickup truck, driven by Robert Kevin McClure of St. Petersburg, hit his Buick LeSabre and sent it over the raised median and into the westbound lane.
Shepherd was taken to Bayfront Medical Center, where he later died.
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Shepherd had two passengers, Frances Sparzani, 88, who is listed in critical condition and Aldo Sparzani, 87, who was treated for minor injuries.
The driver and passengers of the pickup truck were not injured. No charges have been filed.
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