Deadly wrong-way crash in Largo injures four teens

LARGO (FOX 13) - A wrong-way driver passed away after crashing into another car, seriously injuring four teenagers, troopers said.

 “I thought it was weird because is a I saw headlights and they were coming so fast I had no time to react they were just there,” said driver Ryan Matthews. 

FHP says a silver Hyundai was heading north in the southbound lane of State Road 693.  That car slammed into Matthews.

“The first thing I remember is the world spinning like I couldn’t focus on anything, for a second I thought I died,” he said.  “It was a traumatizing experience for everyone because it was so fast,” he said. 

Two of the four in his car are still in the hospital, 17-year-old Shelly Melendez Matos and 16-year-old Vivian Antenucci, who Matthews says suffered severe injuries as a result of the violent impact.  

“I rushed to the other car to make sure they were ok she was just, like i saw that person die, it was traumatizing,” he said.

26-year-old Ambreuna Brown of St. Pete was a mother of three.  The Florida Highway Patrol says wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and may have been drinking.

“Bre was very full of life a great mother she always looked up to her children,” said her cousin Porschea Hammond.  “Speechless, this is very heartbreaking,” she said. 

“Please don’t let your friends drink and drive.  You could end someone’s life they could end their own life,” Matthews said to FOX 13.