A BMW ran a red light at the intersection, killing a 54-year-old Holiday man in a pickup truck, investigators said Wednesday morning.
Updated, 9:54 a.m.: The man killed in the crash has been identified as Robert Henry Raymer Jr., 54, of Holiday.
A Holiday man was killed early Wednesday morning at the intersection of McMullen Booth and Curlew roads in Palm Harbor when his pickup truck was hit by a car that ran a red light, investigators said.
Robert Henry Raymer Jr., 54, was headed eastbound on Curlew shortly after 5:30 a.m. when a BMW failed to stop for the red light on McMullen Booth and hit the pickup truck's passenger side, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Raymer suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene, investigators said. He was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
The driver of the BMW, 29-year-old Jonathan Peter Bytautas of Clearwater, was taken to St. Joseph Hospital with serious injuries.
The vehicles collided with a third vehicle, a pickup truck, during the crash. That driver, 60-year-old George Neil Paajanen of Palm Harbor, suffered minor injuries and was not hospitalized.
This incident remains under investigation. No charges were immediately filed, and it's not yet known if alcohol was a factor in the crash.
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christine
9:20 am on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
I am so sorry for the man that died. It was an unnecessary death especially at this time of year. I will pray for him and his family Drivers need to be more diligent and not drive recklessly. Amen -So Sad....
shawn
1:50 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Saw the crash right after it happened. there were flames coming out the bmw hood and fires all around. i couldnt see the truck but it appeared to be on fire as well . Sorry to hear that the man died.
Char
2:18 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
RIP Rob Raymer... You will be terribly missed... Your loved ones will be in my prayers.
Mr.Stevens
3:39 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The 29 year old Mr.Bytautas had just stolen the 2008 BMW 550 from a home in Clearwater Florida.I pray that Mr.Raymer's soul is headed to Heaven.
Jacque Mioff
11:33 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
If that's true of Bytautas..... that'll go with the other countless mugshots of him out there! My condolences to Mr. Raymer's family and friends..... this was senseless!
Kristi
3:45 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Rob.... we miss your jokes already and our hearts are broken. You brought so much cheer and laughter to our lives. Heaven is getting a wonderful man.
We love you.... RIP
tasha helphenstine
4:40 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Robert was married to my best friends mom for many years when he lived in marion, indiana. They did divorce and he moved to Florida. Rob was a wonderful man. He was a great step-father and he will be sadly missed. My heart is broken. I pray for his family and all the people he leaves behind.
Janine
5:04 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Sending prayers to the family and friends. Such a sad, senseless tragedy. I'm so sorry.
Lara Bush
6:09 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
I adored you, and I will miss you! You made my smoke breaks fun and got me through my bad days at work with a smile. Sorry I didn't tell you more often how much I appreciated your friendship. You will forever be in my heart.
Jacque Mioff
11:34 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Sorry you lost your friend. What a terrible tragedy.
Julie
9:24 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Rob you will be missed terribly! I am in such shock that I won't see your smile everyday. So many people at your job are mourning the loss of you. This is so tragic. RIP my good friend we will meet again someday.
Sunde Farquhar
9:07 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012
Our thoughts are with the families of those involved in the crash.
christine
10:29 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012
Yes this is a terrible tragedy. Please Google Johnathan Peter Bytautas and you will see the mugshots and various alias' and what other no good this individual has been up to. Please FDLE/State of Florida charge him with something that will make him understand he can't go through life like this..now an innocent person is deceased...so very sad....
Teri Adams
4:33 pm on Thursday, December 13, 2012
So sad. My thoughts and prayers are with Rob's family.
Nina D. Soto
6:56 am on Friday, February 15, 2013
I don't no Robert but I was there as well after all had happen and I remember seeing his body covered and til this day I have to pass by every morning and I always say a prayer for him and his love ones but this morning I can't stop to wondering how to go about purchasing a road side memorial for him. So please help with info My name is Nina and I work at the Pro desk at homedepot and I care so please email me at sotopainting@yahoo.com
Sunde Farquhar
10:01 am on Friday, February 15, 2013
Hi Nina,
Thanks so much for taking the time to write. What a thoughtful gesture. Florida's Dept. of Transportation has a program for honoring crash victims with a roadside memorial. Here is a link to information about how to order one. http://www.dot.state.fl.us/statemaintenanceoffice/memorial%20markers.shtm
Thanks again and please take care.