RSSPassenger Killed During SUV Test Drive Crash in Winter Haven
A test drive ended in tragedy this past Thanksgiving weekend after one person was killed during an auto accident near a car dealership along Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven, according to early reports from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
It was approximately 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, November 26, 2022, when Davenport residents 76-year-old Jean Worme and 86-year-old Clifford Worme were in the process of test driving a 2023 Nissan Rogue with a sales associate from the Hill Nissan dealership located on Cypress Gardens Boulevard. After their assessment of the vehicle was satisfied, the trio started to head back to the dealership in the eastbound direction of Cypress Gardens Boulevard, with 86-year-old Clifford Worme behind the wheel.
As the driver of the Nissan Rogue pulled up to the place of business and attempted a left turn across traffic, he drove into the direct path of an oncoming red 2007 Nissan Murano. Neither driver was able to avoid a collision and the Nissan Murano slammed into the Nissan Rogue.
Polk County emergency response teams and officers with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the auto accident and arrived at the crash site within a matter of minutes. Although each individual involved in this incident was wearing their seat belt at the time, 76-year-old Jean Worme sustained severe injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
The 86-year-old driver of the Nissan Rogue suffered minor injuries during the fatal collision. The Hill Nissan employee, who was sitting in the back seat of the Nissan Rogue when the collision occurred, was uninjured and the driver of the other Nissan SUV was also unharmed.
The westbound lanes of Cypress Gardens Boulevard were shut down for multiple hours while authorities with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office gathered evidence and local clean-up crews picked up debris from the accident.
The investigation into this two-vehicle accident is ongoing.
Since 1977, Winter Haven wrongful death lawyer James O. Cunningham has been dedicated to the compassionate representation of families who have lost a loved one during an auto accident. If you would like to schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation, please submit a quick contact form on our website or call our office directly 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.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.