***UPDATE as of 4:45 p.m. on 2/11/2019***

Deputies say 74-year-old Bruce Kobel of Largo, succumbed to his injuries following a serious single vehicle crash in Indian Rocks Beach on Saturday, February 9, 2019.

Kobel died at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg hospital about 11:02 a.m. on Monday, February 11, 2019.

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.

***End of Update***

***Original News Release*** 

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.)

Bruce P. Kobel (Driver- Injured)
DOB: 11/19/1944
Address: 1691 Harbor Circle East, Largo
Vehicle: 2008 Lincoln Towncar

What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a serious vehicle crash in Indian Rocks Beach.

When:
The crash occurred at 8:22 p.m. on February 9, 2019.

Where:
The crash occurred on the Indian Rocks Causeway east of Gulf Boulevard in Indian Rocks Beach.

Why/How:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a serious vehicle crash in Indian Rocks Beach.

According to investigators, 74-year-old Bruce Kobel was driving his 2008 Lincoln Towncar westbound over the Indian Rocks Causeway. Kobel passed a vehicle on the right and then changed lanes back into the left lane, losing control of his vehicle.

Investigators say Kobel’s vehicle began skidding sideways and went up onto the raised concrete median. Kobel’s vehicle struck two trees and overturned before coming to final rest on top of a downed tree, on the passenger side of the vehicle.

Paramedics responded to the scene and airlifted Kobel to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg hospital with life threatening injuries.

Investigators say speed appears to be a factor in the crash; however, impairment does not.

The investigation continues.