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Stephen Hunter, president of Ocala's Tea Party Solutions, attended the Tri-County Tea Party gathering at the American Legion Hall Post 347 in Lady Lake, FL near the Villages Monday night, September 24, 2012.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers have concluded their investigation into a two-vehicle crash that claimed the life of the head of the local tea party organization.

Troopers concluded that Stephen Hunters tragic death in November 2013 was his fault, as the 70-year-old Sparr man failed to yield the right of way as the vehicle he was driving was attempting to cross a busy roadway.

The final report states that Hunter, who was driving a blue 1989 Mercedes 190D, was heading west on Northwest 165th Street, trying to cross the northbound lanes on U.S. 441 to head south on the roadway.

Another vehicle, described as a blue 1999 Ford Ranger pickup truck driven by Denise Michelle Kirkland of Gainesville, with Ocala passenger Daniel Patrick Hodges, was traveling northbound on U.S. 441.

Based on physical evidence and witness statements, officials said the Mercedes traveled across the northbound lanes of U.S. 441, causing the pickup to hit the front of Hunters left side.

Hunter was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash, authorities said, which occurred at 6:24 p.m.

Kirkland told a trooper that she didnt see Hunter until his vehicle was in front of her. She said she was traveling 50 to 55 mph at the time of the crash. Neither Kirkland, 43, nor Hodges, 37, was injured in the crash. Both were wearing their seat belts at the time of the accident, officials said. Hunter was not wearing his seat belt, officials said.

The section of the roadway where the accident occurred was dark, the report states.

At the time of his death, Hunter had been president of the Ocala Tea Party or Tea Party Solutions for several years. Those who knew Hunter said he was a tireless, dedicated patriot, champion of property rights, well-loved, respected by all and had an easy way about him. Others said Hunter was a good friend and confidant who, as U.S. Army soldier, fought in Vietnam.

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Report: Local tea party leaders fatal crash was his fault