OKEECHOBEE — A Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) press release states that two local people were killed Thursday in a 5:40 p.m. crash on U.S. 98 North.

According to the release Walter Earl Stripling, 79, was pronounced dead June 9 at the scene. The second victim — Ashley Ann Carter, 17 — was pronounced dead at Raulerson Hospital.

The release indicated Mr. Stripling was westbound on the two-lane highway, just northwest of N.W. 58th Lane, and Ms. Carter was eastbound when the crash occurred.

Mr. Stripling allegedly crossed over the broken yellow center line and directly into the path of Ms. Carter. The left front of his 2007 Toyota Rav 4 struck the left front portion of Ms. Carter’s 2012 Ford Fusion, stated the release.

Upon impact the Toyota rotated counterclockwise and came to rest in the east and westbound lanes. The Fusion rotated counterclockwise and left the roadway onto the southern shoulder where it overturned, and came to rest on its roof.

Both drivers were wearing their seat belts, added the release.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by FHP Trooper Antonio Thomaz.