FHP: Driver hits, kills man while driving wrong way on I-4

I-4 shut down for five hours, troopers say

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – One person has died after a three-vehicle crash caused by a driver who was traveling the wrong way around 3 a.m. Saturday, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

Travis Coats, 24, of Polk City, was driving in the wrong direction on I-4 while a 32-year-old man was driving east, according to troopers. Coats' truck hit the man head-on before both vehicles came to a stop in the eastbound lanes.

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The driver of a third vehicle was driving east when she crashed into Coats' stopped truck, troopers said. 

The 32-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, the Highway Patrol said. Coats and the driver of the third vehicle were transported to a nearby hospital.

Coats was arrested on suspicion of DUI manslaughter, DUI property damage, DUI and driving in the wrong direction, according to the FHP.

Troopers said all eastbound lanes of I-4 were shut down after the crash, but reopened around 8:15 a.m.

No other details were available. Stay with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates on this developing story.

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