Elderly Man Dead, Several Injured in Seven-Vehicle Crash in Fort Pierce

Elderly Man Dead, Several Injured in Seven-Vehicle Crash in Fort Pierce

A multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of Edwards Road and U.S. Highway 1 claimed the life of a 70-year-old man and left two others injured Monday afternoon, June 16, 2025.

According to the Fort Pierce Police Department, the crash occurred at approximately 12:13 p.m. when a white Kia Sportage driven by 37-year-old Rocco Bhagarattie was traveling southbound in the 3400 block of U.S. Highway 1. Bhagarattie initially sideswiped a white Dodge Caravan before attempting a U-turn. During the maneuver, he struck a northbound Chevy Traverse and then collided with an FPUA power pole.

Despite these collisions, Bhagarattie continued northbound on U.S. Hwy. 1 at a high rate of speed and crashed into the rear of a Cadillac Deville driven by 70-year-old Gary Johns of Fort Pierce. The impact caused Bhagarattie’s vehicle to overturn in the intersection and subsequently crash into three additional vehicles.

Johns was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Bhagarattie and another driver sustained injuries and were also taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Fort Pierce Police say a preliminary investigation suggests the incident was triggered by a medical emergency. The case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fort Pierce Police Department.

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