Man killed, baby severely injured in crash on U.S. 301

THONOTOSASSA — A 23-year-old driver was killed and a 1-year-old girl injured after a Pontiac GrandAm hit a tree on U.S. 301 north of MacIntosh Road.

Jeremy J. Fizette, 23, was pronounced dead on the scene, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. He was driving southbound just before 6 p.m. when he crossed northbound lanes for an unknown reason and drove onto the grass shoulder before the car struck a tree. Fizette was not wearing a seat belt, records show.

Marian Fizette, 1, was taken to University Community Hospital with "very critical injuries" before she was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital, the FHP reported.

-- Justin George, Times Staff Writer