FHP: Woman killed when driver falls asleep and car hits tree near Winter Park

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A 22-year-old Longwood woman was killed early Friday when the driver of the car she was traveling in fell asleep at the wheel and the vehicle struck a tree in Orange County, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The FHP said Ilona Clinger died in the wreck, which was reported just after 4 a.m. Friday on University Boulevard at Forsyth Road near Winter Park. Eastbound lanes of University Boulevard were closed in the area.

According to the FHP, Austin Long, 22, of Orlando, was driving a 2012 Toyota east on University when he fell asleep and the car left the road and struck a tree.

Clinger was taken to Winter Park Hospital, where she later died, the FHP said.

Long suffered serious injuries, according to an FHP report.

Troopers said neither Clinger nor Long were wearing seat belts. Alcohol did not play a role in the crash, the FHP said.

Charges are pending against Long, the FHP report stated.