Slush Pile: FHP: Car traveled 120 mph in crash

2008 Slush Pile

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FHP: Car traveled 120 mph in crash

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OCALA - The high-performance BMW carrying five young men toward their deaths on Jan. 26 was roaring down the airstrip at Greystone Airport at a speed of at least 120 mph before it left the end of the runway, sailed 200 feet through the air and slammed into a fence and three trees. Continue to 2nd paragraph

That was the conclusion listed in a Florida Highway Patrol report released Monday about the single-vehicle crash in north Marion County.

FHP spokesman Lt. Mike Burroughs said the investigation continues. His agency is interviewing dozens of people who may have information about the crash.

Authorities say Joshua D. Ammirato, 18, was driving the BMW M5 down the 1.5-milelong airstrip, which is inside Jumbolair Aviation Estates in Anthony.

Burroughs said 120 mph was the minimum speed the car was traveling before the driver hit the brakes. He braked for two to three seconds and the car veered sideways.

The car rotated clockwise as it left the end of the paved runway, overturned and went airborne.

It sailed over an 85-foot dip toward trees 200 feet away.

The car first struck a wire fence and tree, according to the report. The right side then struck a second tree, shearing the vehicle in two. Then the rear section struck a third tree. The driver and all four passengers were ejected, according to the report.

Meanwhile, the Star-Banner has learned that the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco has joined the investigation.

"The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco was asked by FHP to aid in their investigation,'' said the agency's spokeswoman, Alexis Antonacci.

She said she could not comment further because of the ongoing investigation.

Antonacci said the division, which is part of the Florida Department of Professional and Business Regulations, has in the past assisted other law enforcement agencies with auto crashes that involved alcohol.

Burroughs said FHP still awaits a toxicology report, which will indicate whether the driver had been drinking.

"Since this crash involved a driver and passengers all under 21 years old, which is the legal age to consume alcoholic beverages, rumors about alcohol consumption must be filtered appropriately,'' Burroughs said.

"We are taking a proactive approach and applying sound investigative techniques should toxicology reports indicate that alcohol consumption by minors might have contributed to the accident,'' he said. "If our investigation revealed that alcohol was obtained by minors, we would request that Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco assist us.''

Previously, Burroughs said that only the remains of the driver would be tested for alcohol.

Now he says testing could also include the passengers: Jacob James Casey, 19; James Devon Hime, 19; Dustin J. Dawe, 19; and Isaac Rubin, 20.

The $85,000 car belonged to Ammirato's father, Santo.

"We have solid evidence that indicates there was only one car involved,'' Burroughs said, although he would not discuss the nature of that evidence.

http://www.gainesvillesun.com/article/20080205/NEWS/802050327/1002/NEWS

Submitted on 02/06/2008

Submitted by: Anonymous
Reference: Ocala Star-Banner ; February 5, 2008

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2008 Slush Pile

FHP: Car traveled 120 mph in crash

2008 Reader Submission Pending Acceptance

2008 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance