Saint Leo Student Dies in Single Car Crash Close to Tampa

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on January 25, 2020

On Wednesday, January 15th, a 19-year-old student from Saint Leo University was traveling along an unnamed road close to the city of Tampa when they were involved in an auto accident. Reports from troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol indicated that the 19-year-old player, known for his skill on the lacrosse field as well as being part of the Air Force’s ROTC program, was behind the wheel of a 2018 Dodge Challenger when something happened to cause them to lose control of the vehicle.

Many of the initial reports on the incident failed to include what time of day it was when the 19-year-old was driving their car, but we do know that it was early in the morning of that Wednesday. The reports also included the information that the individual was from Colorado and had been studying at Saint Leo University while engaged in lacrosse and the ROTC program. It is not known what the individual was studying at the university.

After the driver lost control of the Dodge Challenger, it departed from the roadway and began to travel along the shoulder. It is believed that the driver was not able to regain any sort of control over the car before it collided with a concrete structure made for holding and making visible a sign marking the Interstate 75 Entrance Ramp.

The 19-year-old was wearing their seatbelt at the time of the accident. Further information in the initial reports included the partial results of an investigation into whether or not alcohol played any role in the crash. While it is often the case that single-car-crashes such as this one are the result of intoxicated driving, it is believed that in this particular incident alcohol was not an active player.

When paramedics and EMTs reached the scene along with the police and other emergency response crews, there was nothing that they could do for the 19-year-old driver of the Charger. They were declared dead at the scene of the incident.

While the initial investigation was underway, traffic in the area was significantly affected. It is not clear if the incident affected rush hour traffic in any way.

Sources:

• Colorado 19-year-old dies in Florida car crash

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.