Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Major Accident Investigation Team

Yanitza Ortega (Pedestrian – Injured)
DOB: 09/19/1981

Eric Hoppes (Driver - Uninjured)
DOB: 09/09/1981
Vehicle: 2010 Nissan Altima
 

PINELLAS COUNTY - On March 26, 2022, at approximately 7:19 p.m., deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded to W. St. Petersburg Drive, west of the intersection of Bayview Boulevard, to investigate a vehicle versus pedestrian crash.

According to investigators, 40-year-old pedestrian Yanitza Ortega and her 10-year-old and 6-year-old daughters, were standing on the north side of W. St. Petersburg Drive, waiting to cross southbound. A 2010 Nissan Altima, driven by 40-year-old Eric Hoppes, was traveling westbound on W. St. Petersburg Drive, when Ortega and her daughters entered the roadway and were struck by his vehicle.

Investigators say there are no traffic control devices at the intersection of W. St. Petersburg Drive and Bayview Boulevard and the vehicle had the right-of-way. The pedestrians were not in a designated crosswalk at the time of the crash.

All three female victims were transported to the hospital. Ortega and her 10-year-old daughter were treated for non-life threatening injuries. Ortega’s 6-year-old daughter was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

According to investigators, speed and impairment do not appear to be factors in this crash.

The investigation continues.