Bystander takes baby to hospital from crash scene

TAMPA (FOX 13) - A toddler was ejected from a car during a deadly crash that police blame on texting and driving.  A passerby took the little girl from the scene to a nearby hospital.

The single-vehicle crash happened after 6 o'clock Sunday evening and shut down westbound lanes of the Courtney Campbell Causeway for hours.

Tampa police say it all started when the driver lost control while texting and veered into a concrete barrier.  The impact caused the vehicle to roll over.

The driver, since identified as 19-year-old Sha-Mhya Turner of Tampa, died in the hospital.  Her 2-year-old girl suffered serious injuries too. 

The toddler's car seat was tossed from the vehicle with her still inside.  Police say it was not buckled in.

The girl's father, 20-year-old Marquise Neal,  who was in the passenger seat sustained less severe injuries.

Police say he asked a passing motorist to take his daughter to the hospital.

Family members say the toddler was released from Intensive Care Monday afternoon and is expected to survive.

Police say Turner was looking down at text message when the crash happened.

"It took a life. The phone's not that important. Put them down." Those are  the words of her grieving aunt, Lillian Stanley.

Stanley says Turner was a graduate of Armwood High School and attended St. Petersburg College.

"She was an awesome mother," said Stanley.  "Mom and daughter were always together."

Police say it's recommended that you call 911 in a situation like this, in case moving the person could cause further injury.