Driver comes forward after young teen killed in Palmetto hit-and-run

PALMETTO, Fla. - The Florida Highway Patrol says the driver at the center of a hit-and-run crash that left a man and a teenager dead early Saturday morning has turned himself in. 

"A suspect called in to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office advising that he may have struck a deer last night in the area where this crash occurred," said Trooper Ken Watson.

The crash occurred shortly after 2:30 a.m. on U.S. 19 near 49th Street East in Palmetto.

According to investigators, three pedestrians, a 47-year-old man, a 40-year-old woman and a 13-year-old boy, were walking along the grass shoulder of southbound U.S. 19. Troopers say a white Chevy Silverado left the roadway and hit the three of them.

"It's just tragic, honestly, there's really no words for it," said Shane Wilson who works nearby.

The Chevy Silverado did not stop and fled the scene.

"Simply by leaving, you have committed a crime," said Watson. "By killing two people, seriously injuring another, now it's a felony."

Troopers said Sunday that the driver of the truck contacted authorities.  He is cooperating and says he thought he'd hit a deer. No charges have been filed against him at this time and his identity has not been released. 

FHP said Donald Keefer, 47, and the teenager, 13-year-old Tyler Pittard, were killed in the collision. Misty Dawn Zipperer, 40, was last listed in critical condition at Blake Medical Center.