One dead after crash closes causeway lanes for hours

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Tampa police said an 20-year-old passenger in Monday morning's crash on the Courtney Campbell Causeway, died from his injuries. 

According to police, it was around 3:15 a.m. when a red Pontiac tried to pass another car on the Tampa side of the bridge. The driver lost control and ended up hitting the second car, a Nissan.  Both cars spun out and crashed into the guardrail.

Jonathan Mendoza-Pena of Clearwater died at St. Joseph's Hospital after he was ejected from the red Pontiac involved in a crash that closed the westbound lanes of the causeway most of Monday morning. 

The Pontiac's driver, 18-year-old Adrian Doth of Clearwater, fled the scene on foot and was later arrested, then taken to St. Joseph's Hospital where he remained Monday evening. 

Another passenger, 19-year-old David Mendoza of Clearwater, was also taken to St. Joseph's Hospital. His condition was not available Monday evening. 

The driver of the Nissan, meanwhile, had minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

Police believe alcohol was a factor and said charges were pending.

The westbound span was closed through morning rush hour, but traffic was flowing again by 10:30.