Eight-Year-Old Passenger Killed During Wrong-Way Crash in Melbourne

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on June 28, 2023

Traffic homicide investigators with the Florida Highway Patrol are currently trying to determine the exact cause of a fatal wrong-way car accident that claimed the life of an 8-year-old child and injured several others last Saturday morning on U.S. Highway 192 in Melbourne.

According to preliminary collision reports from the Florida Highway Patrol, it was shortly after 2:00 a.m. on June 24, 2023, when a 31-year-old woman from Brunswick, Georgia was driving a 2023 Kia Forte in the eastern direction of the westbound outside lane along U.S 192, with her three small children as passengers. As the family approached the vicinity of Sweetwater Drive, their vehicle crashed into the front side of a nearby 2008 Honda Accord being driven by a 22-year-old man from Melbourne.

The forceful impact from the auto accident propelled the Kia Forte across the highway where it violently struck a tree located along the side of the road.

Brevard County emergency responders and troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol were dispatched to the scene of the two-car crash and sadly determined that an 8-year-old boy had already passed away from severe injuries. He was not wearing a safety belt when the collision occurred, officials stated. The two other children in the Kia Forte, a 1-year-old girl and a 6-year-old girl, sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital for further treatment. Their 31-year-old mother was transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center with severe, traumatic injuries.

The 22-year-old driver of the Honda Accord suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital as well.

“This case is an active traffic homicide investigation. If there are any charges, they would not be issued until after the entire traffic homicide investigation is complete. Although, it is the drivers responsibility to ensure all children under 18 are properly restrained with a seatbelt at all times while the vehicle is in motion,” said a representative from the Florida Highway Patrol in a statement to the press.

Since 1977, Florida wrongful death lawyer James O. Cunningham has compassionately represented the families of auto accident victims. If you would like to schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation, please contact us today at 877-FL-INJURY.

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.