Body of 18-Year-Old Woman Found in Canal After Series of Crashes in Miami-Dade

A tragic chain of events in Doral and northwest Miami-Dade ended with the death of 18-year-old Angelina Plasencia, whose body was discovered in a canal Monday morning after a series of crashes the night before.

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO), the incident began around 11:30 p.m. Sunday when deputies responded to reports of a missing person in the area of Northwest 72nd Avenue and Northwest 58th Street in Doral.

Detectives initially searched the area without success. When they returned Monday morning, they discovered Plasencia’s body floating in a nearby canal.

Authorities now believe the sequence of events unfolded as follows:

1. First Crash: A vehicle carrying several occupants was involved in a crash at Northwest 74th Avenue and Northwest 58th Street. While one occupant stayed behind to check on the other driver, the remaining passengers fled in the car.
2. Second Crash: Shortly after, the same vehicle crashed again on the northbound ramp of the Palmetto Expressway at Northwest 58th Street. The passengers abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
3. Motorcycle Pickup and Crash: The group arranged to be picked up by a friend riding a motorcycle. All four climbed onto the motorcycle, which later crashed at Northwest 72nd Avenue and Northwest 58th Street. All passengers were ejected.
4. Critical Injuries: Miami-Dade Fire Rescue transported a male and two females to the hospital in critical condition. The fourth passenger, Plasencia, was later identified as the victim found in the canal.

Plasencia’s family had been frantically searching for her, posting missing-person flyers online and even offering a $50,000 reward for her safe return. On Tuesday, the family confirmed her death and asked for privacy during this devastating time.

Legal and Liability Questions

While the investigation is ongoing, the unusual circumstances raise several legal and liability issues under Florida law:

• Negligent Driving and Multiple Crashes: If the driver of the original vehicle was negligent or impaired, they (and potentially the vehicle’s owner) could face liability for both crashes and the chain of events that followed.
• Motorcycle Overloading: Carrying four people on a motorcycle is unsafe and likely illegal. This reckless decision directly contributed to the ejections and catastrophic injuries.
• Potential Wrongful Death Claim: Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Fla. Stat. § 768.16–768.26), Plasencia’s family may be entitled to pursue a claim against any at-fault drivers for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and mental pain and suffering.
• Comparative Negligence: Florida’s comparative negligence law (Fla. Stat. § 768.81) allows fault to be divided among multiple parties. For example, responsibility could be shared between the driver of the initial vehicle and the motorcycle operator.
• Premises Liability Questions: While less likely, investigators may also consider whether roadway conditions, lighting, or signage contributed to the crashes. If so, claims against government entities under Florida’s sovereign immunity law may be possible, though capped and subject to strict notice requirements.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have represented families in Miami-Dade and across Florida after devastating crashes caused by reckless or negligent acts. We understand the complex legal questions that arise when multiple vehicles, drivers, and passengers are involved, and we fight to hold negligent parties accountable.

If your loved one has been injured or killed in a multi-vehicle or motorcycle crash, call our office today for a free consultation. Our attorneys are dedicated to seeking justice and fair compensation for Florida families facing unimaginable loss.