WINDERMERE, Fla. – Local 6 has learned a popular pastor was involved in a head-on crash where his wife died.
It happened Friday evening, near Windermere along Overstreet Road just off Winter Garden-Vineland Road.
The pastor, Mark Matheson, was rushed to the hospital, but his wife, Carla Matheson, died at the scene, said an FHP spokeswoman. According to a crash report, she was not wearing a seat belt.
Matheson was the former head pastor of Windermere Community Church until it was recently renamed.
Troopers said a 17-year-old driver was behind the wheel of a white van when it crossed into oncoming traffic and slammed into the pastor's sedan. The two 17-year-olds in the van were not hurt. Troopers said they're checking to see if alcohol and speed were factors, but have not yet cited the teen driver.
However, people who live on the street say they've complained about speeding for years.
"I feel like this could have been prevented," said Kimberley Sikes.
"This is not the first time we've seen an accident on this corner," said Eric Cooper.
Neighbors said they've asked for speed bumps and a lower speed limit, but nothing has been done and cars still sometimes drive through the area at double the speed limit.
Charges are pending against the teen.
Family members of one of the teens involved declined to comment to Local 6 at the scene.