According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Rossi was northbound on SW 73rd St. Rd. (near Jasmine Plasa) at the stop sign at the intersection of SR 200. The second driver, William Watkins, 27, of Ocklawaha was traveling eastbound (towards Ocala) on SR 200 in the inside (left) lane.
Rossi attempted to cross the eastbound lanes on SR 200 and crossed into the path of Watkins, violating his right of way. The front end of Watkins’ Chevy S10 slammed into the left front side of Rossi’s Toyota Corolla, causing Rossi’s vehicle to veer to the right where it then came to its final resting place facing northeast.
Watkins had only minor injuries, according to FHP.
It has not yet been determined if alcohol played a part in the accident.
It is standard procedure for toxicology testing in accidents of this caliber.