Updated May 1, 12:41 p.m.
Gulfport Police responded Thursday afternoon, April 30, to a single car traffic accident that shut down all of Gulfport Boulevard South’s westbound traffic lanes.
Investigators are saying that the lone man involved in the crash, Edwin Brantley, of St. Petersburg, was driving around the curve near Stetson University at a high rate of speed when his gold 2000 Ford Taurus careened off the road and crashed into a concrete pillar. The pillar was part of a fence that ran around the campus’ southern boarder, say university officials.
After striking the pillar, the Taurus broke through the fence, struck a tree, flipped over and ejected Brantley. Moments later the sedan caught fire and had to be extinguished by the Fire Department. Westbound traffic lanes were closed for nearly four hours. Brantley was transported to Palm of Pasadena Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The accident is still under investigation. It’s not yet known weather drugs or alcohol played a role.
