Popular NASCAR Pit Crew Member Killed in Florida Keys Car Crash

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on November 27, 2020

NASCAR nation is mourning the loss of beloved pit crew member William “Rowdy” Harrell this week after the tragic news came in that he and his wife were killed in a car accident on Tuesday, November 24^th, 2020, while celebrating their honeymoon in the Florida Keys. Harrell, who had been an intricate part of Hendrick Motorsports since 2013, and his brand-new bride, were only married for three days when the fatal collision occurred.

According to preliminary investigative reports from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), 30-year-old William Harrell, “Rowdy” for short, and 23-year-old Blake Harrell were traveling in their 2020 Toyota Corolla along U.S. Highway 1 on Lower Matecumbe Key at approximately 9:40 p.m. Tuesday evening. As the newlyweds approached mile marker 76, something happened within the Corolla to cause the driver, Mr. Harrell, to lose control of the car and swerve into the southbound traffic lane. Unfortunately, a 62-year-old pickup truck driver from Tennessee and his two passengers were traveling in the correct direction along the southern lane at this same time. The truck driver attempted to avoid the oncoming Toyota by steering his vehicle onto the shoulder of the road, but he was sadly unsuccessful and the two vehicles collided head-on.

Officers and emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene and upon their arrival, it was discovered that both occupants of the Toyota, Mr. and Mrs. Harrell, had suffered severe injuries as a result of the accident and had already passed away. The 58-year-old and 62-year-old passengers of the pickup truck were medevaced to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami and Jackson South Medical Center in Kendall in serious condition. The truck’s driver was transported by ambulance to Mariners Hospital in Tavernier and was treated for minor injuries.

It should be noted that all drivers and passengers involved in this fatal collision were wearing their seatbelts at the time of impact. It is currently unclear if alcohol or drugs were involved, although an investigation is underway by the FHP in Monroe County.

Since 1977, the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. has been representing the victims of auto accident and wrongful death cases. If you would like to schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation, please submit a contact form on our website or call us today at 877-FL-INJURY for additional information.

Sources:

• Two killed in head-on crash on Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys
• Hendrick Motorsports pit crew member, wife killed in crash on honeymoon

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.