Eric Rocco Russo, Charles V. Parker killed, Jessica Lynn Carroll, Rex John Brinker injured in 3 car crash.

Two people were killed early Sunday in a three-vehicle crash on Highway 98 North in Lakeland.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. on a two-lane stretch between Rockridge and Socrum Loop roads.

According to a Polk County Sheriff’s Office report a 2006 Toyota Scion driven by 19-year-old Eric Rocco Russo of Lakeland was traveling south approaching the intersection of Big Cypress Blvd.

Investigators say Russo attempted to pass at least one vehicle when he noticed another vehicle approaching in the opposite direction – a 2001 Ford Mustang driven by 17-year-old Jessica Lynn Carroll of Lakeland.

She had two passengers in her vehicle - 40-year-old Rex John Brinker of Lakeland and 28-year-old Charles V. Parker of Lakeland. Brinker was in the front seat; Parker in the back.

Based on the initial investigation it appears Russo attempted to move back into the southbound lane but unfortunately it was too late. He struck the left rear of a 2000 Cadillac Escalade driven by 59-year-old Michael D. Haire of Lakeland.

This caused Russo to lost control of his car as it began to rotate in a clockwise direction into the northbound lane and directly into the path of Carroll’s Mustang.

Haire and his passenger – Marvella Haire – were both wearing seatbelts and were not hurt. His vehicle suffered minor damage.

Russo and Parker were pronounced dead at the scene. Carroll and Brinker were transported by ambulance to Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Their conditions are not known.

No charges have been filed as the investigation continues.