Detectives Investigating Traffic Fatality in Northdale

NORTHDALE - A 22-year-old Tampa man was killed early this morning at the intersection of Northdale Boulevard and Braesgate Lane, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Andrew Schnitker, of 4218 Briarberry Lane, was driving a Nissan SUV westbound on Northdale Boulevard around 3:50 a.m. at a "high rate of speed" when he entered a curve at Mapledale Drive and lost control, according to the sheriff's office.

Schnitker crossed the median, and his SUV rolled over and slid into a wall at Northdale and Braesgate, according to the sheriff's office.

Schnitker was not wearing a seatbelt, and was ejected from the vehicle. He died at the scene, according to the sheriff's office.

Schnitker's passenger, Stephen Berndt, 26, of 5029 Rutkin Blvd. Tampa, was wearing a seatbelt. He was not injured in the crash.

Alcohol is suspected to have been a factor in the crash, according to the sheriff's office.

The investigation is ongoing.