Vermont Man Killed Attempting to Rescue Turtle on I-95 in Florida

A well-intentioned act of compassion turned tragic on Sunday, June 30, 2025, when a 77-year-old man from Vermont was fatally struck on Interstate 95 in Indian River County, Florida, while trying to rescue a turtle from the busy highway.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the incident occurred around 4:20 p.m. in the southbound lanes of I-95, just north of Sebastian Boulevard. What began as an attempt to save a small animal escalated into a deadly two-vehicle crash and fatal pedestrian strike.

Preliminary reports indicate that the man had exited his vehicle and attempted to cross I-95 on foot to rescue a turtle. As he crossed the southbound lanes, a woman driving a vehicle behind him slowed down to avoid hitting the pedestrian, authorities said.

A Dodge Ram pickup truck, driven by a 53-year-old man from Port St. Lucie, was traveling behind the slowing vehicle and failed to brake in time. The Ram rear-ended the car, causing it to veer off the road, crash through a fence, and come to rest on the west side of the interstate.

The Dodge Ram continued forward and struck the Vermont man, who was thrown to the left shoulder of the highway. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed all parties remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. The southbound lanes of I-95 were shut down for several hours to allow for investigation and cleanup.

This heartbreaking case reminds us of how quickly tragedy can unfold on highways, even with the best intentions. While helping animals in distress is a noble impulse, highways are high-speed, high-risk environments, and pedestrian activity is illegal and extremely dangerous on interstates under Florida law.

When a pedestrian is killed in a highway accident, especially while engaging in a prohibited activity, it can raise complex questions about liability. However, that does not automatically remove the possibility of a wrongful death claim.

Key factors that might be considered in this case:

• Was the pickup truck driver distracted, speeding, or following too closely?
• Did the driver of the first vehicle act reasonably by slowing down to avoid a pedestrian?

Although pedestrians are expected to avoid highways, all drivers are still obligated to maintain safe following distances and remain alert to the roadway ahead.

While the death of both the man and the turtle is heartbreaking, this story underscores the need for public education about roadside safety and wildlife encounters:

• Never enter a high-speed roadway on foot, even to rescue animals.
• If you spot injured wildlife on the road, call local animal control or law enforcement.
• Always pull over to a safe location, away from traffic, and assess the situation with extreme caution.
• Local agencies may consider adding public signage near rural highways to deter pedestrians from entering dangerous zones.

This tragic accident serves as a somber reminder of how even acts of kindness can result in unintended danger. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man who lost his life and hope this heartbreaking event inspires awareness and caution on Florida’s highways.

If your family has suffered a loss in a pedestrian or vehicle-related fatal accident, our team at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation to understand your rights and options.