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

Austin R. Marr (Driver- Deceased)
DOB: 10/28/1986
Vehicle: 2014 Volkswagon GTI

Deputy Derrick Gregory
Age: 40
Date of hire: 11/21/2011

What:                             
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a fatal single vehicle crash in Palm Harbor.

When: 
The crash occurred at about 6:55 p.m. on Tuesday August 28, 2018.

Where:
The crash occurred on Curlew Road in front of 1750 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor. .

Why/How:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a fatal single vehicle crash in Palm Harbor.

According to investigators, 31-year-old Austin Marr was driving his 2014 Volkswagon GTI west bound on Curlew Road. Witnesses including an off duty Deputy D. Gregory drove past Marr who initially appeared to be slowing and / or stopped along the curb lane of Curlew Road just west of Belcher Road.

Deputy D. Gregory reported to investigators before he could safely turn around to check on Marr. The 2014 Volkswagon GTI, driven by Marr abruptly accelerated westbound on Curlew Road at a high rate of speed turning left in a south direction across all lanes of traffic. The vehicle first struck a light pole, a utility box, traffic sign then became airborne striking a large oak tree before coming to a stop.

Paramedics arrived on scene and extricated Marr from his badly damaged vehicle.

Marr was transported via Bayflight to St Joseph’s Hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Investigators say it is unknown what caused the erratic driving that led to the crash.

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.