Two dead in Treasure Island Causeway accident

Two people died in a traffic accident tonight tonight on the Treasure Island causeway.

It happened about 8 p.m., when the 2008 Lexus that Louis Ortiz, 63, of Treasure Island was driving westbound on the causeway attempted to turn south on Paradise Boulevard in front of an eastbound 2007 Ford Focus driven by Joshua Malone, 18, of St. Petersburg. The Ford hit the Lexus broadside.

Treasure Island Fire Rescue medics pronounced Eileen Ortiz, a passenger in the Lexus, dead at the scene. A man riding in the Ford was taken to Palms of Pasadena Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. His name was not released pending notification of his family.

Malone, another passenger in the Ford and Louis Ortiz were taken to Bayfront Medical Center for treatment. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident.

Stephanie Garry and Ken Walker, Times staff writers