Crash with 13 people in vehicle kills 17-year-old, driver arrested for DUI manslaughter

Early Saturday morning, the North Port Police Department responded to the intersection of Joewood Circle and Genip Court after reports of a rollover crash.

As officers arrived on the scene, it was discovered that a 17-year-old female passenger was ejected from the vehicle and died on scene. There were three other passengers in the car who were all taken to receive medical help.

A 17-year-old female passenger was treated and released from Sarasota Memorial Hospital. A 19-year-old male passenger is currently undergoing surgery at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. A 13-year-old passenger is at a Tampa area hospital with internal, non-life threatening injuries.

Approximately 13 individuals were inside and on the roof of a 2010 Blue Toyota SUV while it was in motion. The driver of the SUV was traveling on Joewood Circle and failed to make it around a curve, causing a rollover crash.

The driver has been identified as Stephanie G. Evrard, 19. The North Port Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit investigated the crash, and found probable cause that Evrard was driving under the influence during a crash involving a death.

Evrard is facing charges of DUI Manslaughter and three counts of DUI with Personal injury.

According to North Port Police Department, the deceased and some involved in the crash are North Port High School students. The police department is working to make sure grief counselors will be available for all students Monday morning.

She is booked in the Sarasota County Jail.

The victim’s name has not been released.

Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact THI Ofc. Greg Pierce at 941-429-7300 or submit tips through the NPPD tip app.