Tamarac High-Speed Collision Kills Two Teenagers

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on July 9, 2020

The 4th of July is typically a time for backyard barbeques, fireworks, and all-around celebrations for the independence of our country. Sadly, this was not the case for a group of young teenagers who were involved in a deadly high-speed collision within Broward County after their vehicle crashed into a concrete pole this past weekend.

According to initial accident reports from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, five teenagers of various ages were travelling southbound along North State Road 7 shortly before 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th, 2020. For reasons that are currently unknown, the driver, 17-year-old Crystal McLeod from Tamarac, suddenly began to increase the speed of the 2010 Honda Civic to a rate exceeding the legally posted limit. As the vehicle approached the 5300 block, McLeod attempted to make a lane change, but over-corrected the car while doing so which caused it to spin-out in the street. Unfortunately, she was unable to regain control of the Civic and it crashed into a large cement pole. The force of impact was so hard that it split the vehicle in half, severely injuring everyone in the process.

Local emergency medical teams from both Tamarac and Broward County were immediately dispatched to the scene of the accident. Upon arrival and assessment of the dire situation, the five teens were pulled from the wreckage and transported to Broward Health Medical Center – all in serious condition. Due to the severity of their injuries, McLeod and a 14-year-passenger Ziair Simpson of North Lauderdale, did not survive. The three other passengers from Lauderdale Lakes, two 14-year-old boys and a 16-year-old girl, are still in the hospital suffering from life-threatening injuries.

An investigation into this tragic auto accident is currently ongoing, with speed playing an obvious factor.

The crash site is now home to a small candlelight memorial vigil that has been set up by the family and members of the neighborhood. Our condolences go out to everyone involved in this truly devastating incident.

Sources:

• 2 Teen Girls Killed When Car Splits in Half in Fourth of July Crash in Tamarac
• Police: Speeding car crashes, splits in two killing driver, 14-year-old passenger, 3 teens injured
• Teen driver and passenger killed in high-speed crash that injured three others

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.