Tallahassee Teenager Killed By Underage Driver in DUI Accident

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on March 3, 2015

A parent’s worst nightmare is losing a son or daughter. Children are supposed to take care of their mom or dad later in life. Parents should watch their children get married and raise their own children. They are not supposed to identify their child’s body at the scene of a DUI accident.

On February 11, 14-year-old Ansley Rayborn was killed in a drunk driving accident after a night of partying in Tallahassee, Florida. The name of the 15-year-old driver has not been released.

According to police, the 15-old-driver and his parents had recently moved from 9179 Old Chemonie Road. He and five friends – two boys and three girls, including Ansley – had returned to the vacant house. It had been placed on the market the previous week. The group was reportedly drinking whisky and smoking marijuana at the house. Late into night, the partying teenagers left the house.

They didn’t get far. The 15-year-old driver had his learners permit and had taken his parents’ 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe. About three blocks from the house, the driver lost control of the SUV. He over corrected and went off the right side of the road, causing the SUV to rollover. Ansley was ejected from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Four of the other occupants were transported to the hospital.

Law enforcement officials estimate that the SUV was traveling at 45 MPH in a 30 MPH zone when the accident occurred. According to witnesses, the driver hid bottles of Captain Morgan rum and Fireball whiskey in the woods after the accident, hoping to keep the evidence from police. Besides the bottles of alcohol, a grinder with marijuana residue was also found at the scene of the accident.

The next day law enforcement officials served a search warrant at the house where the party took place. They found a pill bottle, a smoked cigar and a plastic bag with marijuana stems.

Ansley’s parents must grieve the loss of their daughter, who was described as someone who loved life and was full of energy. Her parents received a call that the accident had occurred from a family friend. They went to the scene of the accident and saw a blanket covering their daughter’s body. As they approached, an officer asked for their children’s names. The father told them.

“I’m sorry but your daughter didn’t make it,” the officer reportedly said.

The 15-year-old driver has not been formerly charged, as the investigation into the accident is ongoing, but he faces some serious charges. He is being investigated for DUI manslaughter, possession of marijuana, possession of alcohol under 21 years old and possession of drug paraphernalia as well as other charges.

If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident, call the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. immediately at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for a free initial consultation.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.