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From Herald Wire Services

MARTIN COUNTY

Woman dies in car accident involving turtle

A 20-year-old woman who veered her car to avoid a turtle flipped the vehicle several times and died, Florida Highway Patrol officials said.

Rachel Marie Martin of Sebring was traveling southeast on State Road 710 between Indiantown and Okeechobee in western Martin County when she suddenly turned away from a turtle crossing the roadway, according to an FHP report. The car overturned and landed in the middle of the road.

A passenger, 19-year-old Julie Christine Evans of Tampa, was treated and released from a local hospital. Martin's 1999 Oldsmobile SUV was totaled.

Authorities said Martin was wearing her seat belt and that alcohol was not involved in the crash.