21-year-old woman dies after wrong-way driver hits her on I-75

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — A wrong-way crash on I-75 claimed the life of a 21-year-old woman early Sunday morning, leaving her family devastated and a young driver shaken.

Florida Highway Patrol says 53-year-old Dennis Lee Olson drove his pickup south in the northbound lanes of I-75 near mile marker 150 around 1 a.m. Sunday. Lauryn Akey, a University of South Florida nursing student, was killed in the collision.

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Akey's family told WINK News reporter Gracie Fusco she was on her way home from a wedding when the crash occurred. They received a text from Lauryn saying she was almost home and that she loved them.

Akey's stepfather described her as a straight-A student at USF, majoring in nursing and about to start her senior year. He said she had a smile that lit every room and an amazing soul.

She had a boyfriend of two years and was excited to start her next chapter with him. A witness who was at the scene fought back tears while recounting the tragedy to Fusco.

"They're very nice people. She would have been a lovely person to get to know, and she's gorgeous. Um, but they've been very, very nice and supportive," said Zoshia, a witness.

The witness told Fusco she spoke with Akey's family and is heartbroken for them. Olson is charged with vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter.

He is scheduled to appear in court at 8:30 a.m. FHP says the crash remains under investigation.