Woman dead in Orlando overturned crash, FHP says

Animal services takes puppy that was in car into custody

ORLANDO, Fla. – An 18-year-old Orlando woman is dead after a crash involving an overturned vehicle Friday evening, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

It happened around 7:20 p.m. Friday in the northbound lanes of Alafaya Trail at Strategy Boulevard.

The woman, identified as Helen Lewis-Verdu, 18, was traveling south on Alafaya Trail preparing to make a U-turn at University Boulevard.

As her Ford Mustang began to travel north on Alafaya Trail, the left tire tread separated and the woman lost control of her vehicle, troopers said.

The Mustang left the roadway and overturned. Troopers said the vehicle then struck a pole.

Lewis-Verdu was pronounced dead at the scene, troopers said.

A small puppy was in the car, which animal services has taken into custody. Troopers said the puppy was not injured.

According to FHP's report, the Lewis-Verdu was wearing a seat belt and alcohol may have been involved. The crash remains under investigation.

The northbound lanes of Alafaya Trail were shut down Friday night north of University Boulevard as troopers investigated.

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