UPDATE: 21-Year-Old UCF Student Dies from Injuries Sustained in Hit-and-Run

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on July 3, 2019

Around a week ago, we reported on a car accident that took place between a 25-year-old driver and a senior enrolled at the University of Central Florida who was on foot and walking along the grass shoulder of Napiers Circle, close to the UCF campus. At the time of that writing, the senior was reportedly in critical condition. In a heartbreaking update to this story, it was reported on Saturday, June 29th, that the college student was not able to recover from their injuries or emerge from their coma. The 25-year-old motorist now faces charges of homicide as well as charges of leaving the scene of an accident, DUI with serious bodily injury, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury.

The 21-year-old university student had recently returned to Florida after participating in a six-week long internship in Amsterdam. It was close to 1:00 in the morning when the student was walking along the grass shoulder located close to Napiers Circle. It is not clear where the student was headed or where they were coming from, but it is known that they were near to the university at the time that a black Acura being driven by a 25-year-old approached the area. The driver of the Acura was not in full control of the car at the time and had already been involved in at least one hit-and-run accident either earlier in that same day or very late on the preceding night. After striking the 21-year-old, the driver of the car left the area and parked their car in a parking lot close to University Boulevard.

Police officers found the man still inside the car later that same morning. According to the reports, the driver of the Acura claimed to have no knowledge of striking a pedestrian or being involved in any accident. On the car, officers found blood as well as hair that matched the victim’s. Although the 25-year-old motorist passed a breathalyzer test, they failed all the field sobriety tests. It is currently the position of the authorities that the driver was under the influence of other intoxicating substances at the time of the accident.

Sources:

• Man accused in hit-and-run that killed UCF student London Harrell arrested on homicide charges

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.