Ocala woman dies in wreck on U.S. 441

OCALA --- A 45-year-old Ocala woman died in a single-vehicle crash early Thursday morning, according to Florida Highway Patrol troopers.

The woman was the 71st person to die on Marion roads this year. The total is two more than 2007's tally, and one more than the 2006 figure.

The crash happened about 1:10 a.m. Aleta Renaker was driving a red 2008 Hummer in the left-hand lane on U.S. 441 S when the vehicle left the road south of Southeast 40th Loop, the patrol reported. That part of the highway is near the old drive-in theater.

The driver attempted to get the vehicle back on to the roadway, but it turned sideways and struck a cement culvert that was in the grassy median.

The vehicle was airborne, and traveled approximately 83 feet before overturning several times.

As it was overturning, Renaker was ejected. Renaker was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, the patrol said.

A Marion County Fire Rescue truck on its way back to The Villages after attending a separate call came upon the scene.

The woman was transported to Munroe Regional Medical Center, where she died.