DAVIE, Fla. – A Tampa couple returning home after spending Thanksgiving in South Florida was killed Sunday when their SUV plunged into a canal along Alligator Alley.
Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Mark Wysocky identified the victims Monday as Kevin Livingston, 42, and Michele Livingston, 35, both of Tampa.
Wysocky said the SUV was traveling west on the stretch of Interstate 75 in western Broward County when the left rear tire's tread separated, causing Kevin Livingston to lose control of the vehicle.
The SUV veered off the highway and crashed into a canal.
Some good Samaritans tried to help rescue the couple, but the water was too deep.
"The water's estimated to be about 40 feet deep in that area," Wysocky said.
A relative of the victims told Local 10 News that the Livingstons had spent Thanksgiving in Miami, where they also have a home.
Wysocky said the tragedy serves as a reminder to drivers to check their tires before a long trip.
"Check your air pressure. Check your tread just to make sure the tires don't need to be replaced," Wysocky said.