SEFFNER, FL — The Seffner community and Armwood High School are reeling from a devastating loss following a violent multi-car collision on Saturday night that claimed the life of 17-year-old Elijah Battiste. As students and faculty return to campus with heavy hearts, authorities are still searching for a key individual involved in the fatal wreck.
The Fatal Collision on State Road 574
The tragedy unfolded late Saturday night in Hillsborough County. According to reports from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the chain of events began on State Road 574.
Investigators state that a 40-year-old man from Mulberry was driving a Nissan Versa eastbound, while Elijah Battiste was traveling westbound in a Volkswagen Passat. Near the intersection of Chastain Road, the two vehicles collided in a nearly head-on impact.
The force of the collision left both vehicles disabled in the middle of the roadway. However, the tragedy didn’t end there. Moments after the initial impact, a third vehicle—a Ford F-150—struck Battiste’s Volkswagen.
Manhunt Underway for Third Driver
In a shocking turn of events, troopers say the driver of the Ford F-150 did not stop to render aid. Instead, the individual fled the scene on foot and remains at large…