SUN CITY CENTER, FLORIDA — A 28-year-old man from Parrish has died after a crash on Interstate 75 that troopers say started when a tractor-trailer driver attempted an illegal U-turn near the Hillsborough–Manatee County line.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the wreck happened Monday afternoon as northbound I-75 traffic slowed due to an unrelated vehicle fire near the Sun City Center exit. Troopers said the tractor-trailer driver, identified as Julio Dones Rosa, 45, of Citrus Springs, allegedly tried to turn across the interstate to reach the southbound lanes to get around the backup.

FHP said the tractor-trailer moved into the path of a Toyota Corolla, driven by the Parrish man, and the Corolla struck the tractor-trailer.

The 28-year-old driver was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. In an update released Wednesday, troopers said the driver died from his injuries.

Rosa was not injured and was arrested and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail on a charge of reckless driving involving serious bodily injury, troopers said. Authorities have not confirmed whether the charge will be upgraded following the death.

FHP said witnesses are asked to contact troopers by dialing *347.

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