Hit-and-Run Suspect Arrested for Connection to Cocoa Bike Crash

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on October 26, 2022

For nearly five months, the family and friends of a Cocoa bicyclist have suffered endless amounts of pain, anguish, and uncertainty until earlier this week when a break in the case led to the arrest of the hit-and-run driver who is allegedly responsible for their loved one’s death.

According to crash reports from the initial collision, it was approximately 9:35 p.m. on Friday, June 3, 2022, when 56-year-old Stephan Morf was riding his bicycle parallel to the westbound lanes of the Merritt Island Causeway along the paved shoulder of the road. As he approached the Hubert Humphrey Bridge close to Magnolia Avenue, a gray 2013 Chrysler 200 being driven by 35-year-old Anabel Morales seemingly appeared from nowhere and slammed into the bicyclist. She fled the scene of the accident immediately afterwards.

The impact from the collision was so forceful that it caused the 56-year-old man to be ejected from the bicycle and thrown over the side of the bridge. He fell roughly 30-50 feet into the Indian River below and was recovered by the United States Coast Guard where they pronounced him dead. “That’s probably one of the more dangerous bridges. There’s really no shoulder to ride on. It would be nice if we had cameras up there. It would be really great if they put lights and lit the bridge up more,” said Lt. Channing Taylor with the Florida Highway Patrol.

Authorities in Brevard County searched for a damaged gray 2013 Chrysler 200 for several days and even released the vehicle’s plate number to the public. Finally on Monday, October 24, 2022, 35-year-old Anabel Morales was located in Orange County and arrested for a warrant from Brevard County relating to the deadly hit-and-run collision. She is currently being held without bond in an Orange County jail on charges of leaving the scene of a crash involving death and tampering with physical evidence.

Since 1977, Cocoa wrongful death lawyer James O. Cunningham has been fighting for the rights of victims who have suffered fatal injuries due to the negligence of another motorist. If you would like to schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation, please submit a contact form on our website or call our office directly at 877-FL-INJURY to speak with an associate.

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.