Troopers said the semi, driven by Timothy Cardenas, 48, of Kissimmee, was slowing down to exit off the Turnpike when the crash occurred, said FHP Sgt. Kim Montes.
The impact was so intense that the two large vehicles became interlocked.
Reed’s 16-year-old son Brendan Reed was trapped inside the crushed cab. Toopers had to call in a tow truck to pull the two vehicles apart, she said.
That teen had to be freed from the wreckage and was airlifted to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children where he later died.
The Turnpike reopened several hours after the crash.
arehernandez@tribune.com or 407-420-5471
