US 17 back open after fatal crash shuts lanes in Orange Park

Jacksonville, FL — A man has died, following a head-on crash on U.S. 17 near Wells Road in Orange Park.

The crash blocked southbound lanes of U.S. 17 at Loring Avenue beginning at 7:40 a.m., backing up southbound traffic past the W. Beltway. All lanes re-opened at 10:53 a.m.

Lt. Maritza Gonzalez-Johnson with Florida Highway Patrol says a man from Fleming Island was headed north on U.S. 17 when he apparently had a medical emergency, causing his vehicle to travel in the southbound lanes, colliding head-on with another vehicle. The driver has now been identified as 54-year-old Michael Cummings.

The southbound driver was not seriously injured, according to FHP.