The Florida Highway Patrol has identified the Ocala man killed in a Sunday afternoon crash outside the Market of Marion in Belleview.
Edward Gromada, 79, died after his 1998 Toyota Camry slammed into the rear of a 2003 Chevrolet Express 3500 van on a roadway outside the flea market, located at 12888 U.S. Hwy. 27/441. The Camry then struck the van two more times before coming to rest. Gromada, who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, was transported by ambulance to Ocala Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, the FHP report states.
The driver of the van, 39-year-old William T. Ihle, received minor injuries. His passenger, 41-year-old Melissa L. Danley, also was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center, where she was treated for “non-incapacitating” injuries, the report says.
Both Ihle and Danley were wearing seatbelts. Alcohol was ruled out as a factor in the 2:15 p.m. crash, the report says.