Tennessee Groom Severely Injured During Hit-and-Run Crash in Volusia County

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on September 16, 2021

After reciting those sacred vows “for better or worse; in sickness and in health” less than 48 hours prior, the bride of a newlywed couple is being put to the test after her brand new husband was severely injured Sunday evening during a hit-and-run accident on I-95 near LPGA Boulevard in Volusia County.

According to preliminary collision reports from the Florida Highway Patrol, newly-married couple Chris Coffey and Mary Moore from Tennessee had just arrived in Florida and were en route to Port Canaveral to set sail on a cruise ship for their honeymoon when the deadly auto accident occurred. Statements from first responders with the local Volusia County authorities indicate that the pair was traveling in a southbound lane of I-95 when a newer model white Hemi Dodge Charger with a black rear spoiler suddenly merged onto the interstate from LPGA Boulevard, crashed into the couple’s vehicle, then sped away. The impact from the accident was so forceful that it caused their car to violently overturn on the roadway, seriously injuring Mr. Coffey who was driving at the time.

Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol arrived at the scene to find the groom suffering from severe life-threatening injuries, and once he was stabilized for transportation, he was then taken to a local hospital for additional medical assistance. Other than a few minor injuries to her hands, the bride walked away relatively unharmed minus the obvious emotional damage.

“I’m angry, I’m disappointed. I want them to know what they did. I’m hurting for his family, for his sister. I’m hoping the outcome is good. but right now it’s not looking good,” said Moore’s sister. Mr. Coffey is currently in the intensive care unit suffering from severe blood loss, skull fractures, and brain injuries. A GoFundMe has been created by a family member to help offset the costs of his out-of-town hospitalization.

Volusia County detectives and members of the Florida Highway Patrol are now seeking the public’s assistance with the identification of the driver and vehicle responsible for the tragic auto accident. If you have any relevant information pertaining to this hit-and-run collision, please contact the FHP at (407) 737-2200 or Crime Stoppers at 800-423-TIPS (8477).

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.