Multiple fatal accidents today

A 28-year-old Umatilla man died when his vehicle, described as a pedal cycle, was struck from the rear by a van driven by a 37-year- old Umatilla man, as both vehicles traveled west on County Road 42, an FHP press release stated.

The crash occurred at 6:10 a.m. in a “very dark area with no street lighting” near Southeast 248th Terrace, according to the FHP press release.

The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene, the FHP press release indicated.

The van driver wore a seat belt and was not injured, the FHP press release stated, and it was not immediately clear if the victim wore a helmet.

The investigation is ongoing, the FHP stated.

Meanwhile , a 67- year old Ocklawaha woman died and a 25-year-old Ocklawaha man was seriously injured when the SUV the injured man was driving “exited the west side of the roadway” crossed a grass shoulder, struck a barbed wire fence and then the front of the vehicle struck a tree, according to an FHP press release.

The press  release stated the SUV was traveling north on Southeast 182nd Avenue Road and the crash occurred at 10:20 a.m. north of Southeast 127th Street Road.

The FHP press release indicated the victim was pronounced deceased on the scene by Marion County Fire Rescue and neither occupant of the SUV wore a seat belt.