Classmates mourn 12-year-old killed in Port Charlotte crash

PORT CHARLOTTE - A community is mourning and calling for change after a tragic crash took the lives of two people, including a 12-year-old.

Troopers say a 25-year-old man was speeding when he hit another car head-on, killing himself and a 12-year-old in the other vehicle. The driver of that car is in critical condition.

On Harborview Road and Laverne Street, drivers express concerns about visibility around a dangerous bend.

"There's also a lot of brush here, trees hanging out to make it even worse," said Troy Chapone, a resident.

RELATED: 12 and 25-year-olds dead after 2-vehicle crash in Charlotte County

The Florida Highway Patrol reports that the driver was fleeing from a previous incident when he lost control and collided with the other car.

"He approached the curve. He was going way too fast. He crossed the center line and he went head-on with another unsuspecting vehicle doing nothing wrong," they said.

Lillian Kirkpatrick, a friend of the young victim, shared her grief.

"She was a really funny, outgoing person," said Kirkpatrick. "It's definitely going to be hard moving on. And she was definitely such a good friend to me."

Neighbors are calling for safety improvements at the crash site.

Chapone suggested, "All it would take is the mirror, the corner mirrors, the turning of curve mirrors."

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.