Eight from Spokane in crash; 1 killed

PLANT CITY, Fla. – A rented Ford Expedition carrying eight visitors from Spokane crashed on Interstate 4, killing a 54-year-old woman and injuring the other seven people in the vehicle, authorities said.

Killed was Kathleen Heitner, according to Trooper Larry Coggins of the Florida Highway Patrol.

The injured, all members of her extended family, included: Stephanie and Chris Heitner, both 32; Brant Heitner, 12; Jordan Reiner, 14; and David Cornell, 29, his wife, Sarah, 30; and their 10-year-old son, Zachary. All were taken to Tampa General Hospital.

David Cornell, who was thrown from the vehicle with his wife, was the most critically injured, Coggins said.

The five adults and three children were on a family vacation, bound for the Disney World area, where they have been staying.

Witnesses told authorities the SUV suddenly jerked to the left late Tuesday morning and went into a spin. There was no indication of tire or mechanical failure, according to Coggins.

The SUV was eastbound in the center lane. It spun counterclockwise into the median, coming to rest with its hood pointing west.

The investigation continues.