Driver Identified in Fatal Crash at Circus Bridge
VENICE, FL — Authorities have identified the victim in a tragic crash on Saturday at the Circus Bridge as 65-year-old Connie Eileen Johnson. The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. on S. Tamiami Trail when Johnson’s white Toyota sedan lost control near the 1600 block. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
According to police, the vehicle veered off the road, crossing the curb and sidewalk before striking a light pole. The car continued down an embankment on the west side of the bridge and ultimately entered the Intracoastal Waterway.
Emergency responders, assisted by bystanders, acted quickly to try to save the victim. After flipping the submerged vehicle upright, they broke a window to gain access and extricated Johnson, who was the sole occupant. EMTs performed CPR and other life-saving measures for 20 minutes, but Johnson was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Sea Tow Venice, along with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team and Marine Unit, assisted in the recovery of the vehicle from the water.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the cause of