Tragic Accident in Hernando County: Woman Killed While Trying to Help Injured Opossum

A heartbreaking incident occurred late Sunday night near Brooksville, Hernando County, Florida, when a 27-year-old woman lost her life after stepping out of a vehicle to assist an injured opossum. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the fatal collision took place shortly before 10 p.m. on August 10 at the rural intersection of Hexam and Eskimo Curlew roads.

The driver of the vehicle, a 31-year-old man from Spring Hill, had stopped to check on the injured opossum, a small cat-sized marsupial known for playing dead as a defense mechanism, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The woman, who was the driver’s wife, exited the car to attend to the animal when she was struck by a passing Chrysler 300. The driver of the Chrysler, a 19-year-old man from Weeki Wachee, was reportedly not facing any charges at this time.

The woman was rushed to a local hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries. Details regarding the exact nature of her injuries and her identity have not been released by authorities.

This tragic event highlights the dangers posed by rural roadways, particularly those lacking street lighting and heavy traffic control. The intersection where the crash occurred is sparsely populated, and the two-lane road offers little visibility at night.

Legal Options After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident

When a pedestrian is fatally injured in a vehicle collision, the family of the deceased may have legal options, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Even when no criminal charges are filed against the driver, civil claims may still be pursued to hold responsible parties accountable and seek compensation.

In cases like this, families can seek compensation for their loss, including damages for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, lost future income, and emotional pain and suffering through a wrongful death claim. If the driver of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian was negligent (e.g., distracted driving, speeding), the victim’s family may pursue damages for the driver’s failure to exercise reasonable care. In some cases, if poor road conditions, lack of lighting, or inadequate signage contributed to the accident, families may consider claims against governmental entities responsible for road maintenance and safety.

This tragic accident underscores the importance of caution when traveling or walking along rural roads, especially at night. Drivers should always be vigilant for pedestrians, animals, and unexpected obstacles, while pedestrians should avoid entering roadways whenever possible and wear visible clothing if walking near traffic.

If you have lost a loved one or have been injured due to a pedestrian accident, consulting with an experienced wrongful death or personal injury attorney is essential. An attorney can help navigate complex legal procedures, investigate the circumstances, and fight to secure fair compensation for victims and their families.