(This story was updated to include more information about about one of the subjects in the story.)
An 18-year-old girl was killed and another 18-year-old seriously injured in a motorcycle crash in a rural section of Marion County on March 16.
Here’s what we know about the incident:
Where was the crash? 6200 block of Northeast 171st Avenue Road in Silver Springs, not far from County Road 314.
Which agency is investigating the crash? Florida Highway Patrol.
What time was the crash? Marion County Fire Rescue spokesperson James Lucas said they were assigned at 6:27 p.m. and arrived at 6:44 p.m. The victim was pronounced dead at 7:07 p.m.
Troopers said the second individual, a young man, was transported to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital where he was listed in critical condition. As of March 17, the young man remains in critical condition at the hospital.
What happened? FHP officials said both the young man and woman were on an ATV type vehicle that was traveling eastbound on a dirt all-terrain vehicle path west of Northeast 171st Avenue Road. Along the roadway, troopers said the left handlebar hit a tree, causing the vehicle to loose control. The ATV veered right off the dirt path and into a wooded area. The vehicle then overturned and collided with a second tree. The ATV eventually stopped not far from the dirt path.
Troopers believe the young man was riding the ATV and the deceased was the passenger. They said neither victim was wearing a helmet.
Officials identified the deceased as Jennys Garcia of Anthony. Her partner was identified as Jordan Audit of Ocala. FHP officials said it’s unknown why they were out riding on the dirt path. Local school officials said neither victim attended public schools in the area.
Troopers said they had to park their vehicles and walk to the scene due to the terrain.
Authorities said Audit had just purchased the vehicle and he and Garcia decided to go for a ride. Local records show Audit is out on bail after he and another man, Austin Littleton, 19, were charged in 2025 by sheriff’s detectives with two counts of sexual battery while armed and kidnapping. The case is ongoing, officials said.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Two 18-year-olds, one killed another injured, in ATV crash
Reporting by Austin L. Miller, Ocala Star-Banner / Ocala Star-Banner
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
