13-Year-Old Girl Dies Days After U.S. 27 Crash in South Bay, Bringing Death Toll to Three

A 13-year-old girl has died from injuries suffered in a devastating multi-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 27 in South Bay, bringing the death toll from the August 1 collision to three, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

The girl died on August 7, six days after the crash. A 37-year-old Deerfield Beach woman and another 13-year-old girl were pronounced dead at the scene.

A 15-year-old girl was also seriously injured in the collision.

What We Know About the Fatal South Bay Crash

The crash occurred on August 1, 2026, on U.S. Highway 27 in South Bay, in western Palm Beach County.

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, four people were traveling southbound in a Cadillac XTS when the driver lost control of the vehicle.

Investigators reported that:

• The Cadillac began rotating and crossed the median.
• The vehicle entered the northbound lanes of U.S. 27.
• A tractor-trailer hauling a fuel tanker struck the driver’s side of the Cadillac.
• The impact caused the Cadillac to rotate again.
• The passenger side of the Cadillac then sideswiped the front corner of a Nissan Altima.
• The Cadillac eventually came to a stop following the series of impacts.

The crash resulted in multiple fatalities and serious injuries.

Woman and 13-Year-Old Girl Died at the Scene

The 37-year-old woman driving the Cadillac was ejected during the collision and suffered fatal injuries.

A 13-year-old girl seated in the rear driver’s-side seat became trapped inside the Cadillac and had to be removed by deputies.

Emergency personnel attempted resuscitation, but Palm Beach County Fire Rescue pronounced the girl dead at the scene.

According to authorities, the children traveling in the Cadillac were wearing seat belts.

Second 13-Year-Old Girl Dies Six Days Later

Two other girls, ages 13 and 15, survived the initial collision and were transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach.

On August 12, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office announced that the second 13-year-old girl had died on August 7 from injuries sustained in the crash.

Her death brings the total number of fatalities from the collision to three.

Authorities have not provided an updated condition for the 15-year-old girl, who was reported to have suffered serious injuries.

Occupants of Other Vehicles

The driver and passenger in the tractor-trailer reportedly escaped the collision without injuries.

The driver and passenger of the Nissan Altima were transported to Lakeside Medical Center in Belle Glade following the crash.

Additional information about their injuries was not provided.

What Caused the Cadillac to Lose Control?

One of the most important unanswered questions is why the Cadillac lost control before crossing the median into opposing traffic.

The information released by authorities does not establish what initially caused the vehicle to rotate.

In a serious loss-of-control collision, investigators may examine factors such as:

• Vehicle speed.
• Driver actions.
• Tire and mechanical condition.
• Roadway conditions.
• Weather.
• Possible evasive maneuvers.
• Other vehicles near the Cadillac.
• Distraction or impairment.
• Physical evidence from the roadway.
• Electronic information stored by the vehicles.

No particular factor should be assumed to have caused this crash until investigators complete their review.

Median-Crossover Crashes Can Have Devastating Consequences

Crashes in which a vehicle crosses a highway median can be particularly dangerous because the vehicle may suddenly enter traffic traveling in the opposite direction.

On highways such as U.S. 27, vehicles traveling in opposite directions may both be moving at substantial speeds. When they collide, the combined forces can result in catastrophic injuries.

The involvement of a large commercial truck can further increase the severity of a collision because of the significant difference in size and weight between a tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle.

Investigation May Examine Whether Additional Factors Contributed

Although the Cadillac crossed the median before being struck by the tractor-trailer, that fact alone does not necessarily answer every question regarding how the crash occurred.

A complete accident reconstruction may examine the movements of all three vehicles and the events immediately preceding the collision.

Investigators may review:

• Event Data Recorder information.
• Commercial truck electronic data.
• Dash-camera footage.
• Nearby surveillance footage.
• Witness statements.
• Tire marks and roadway evidence.
• Vehicle damage patterns.
• Maintenance and inspection records.
• Crash scene photographs and measurements.

This evidence can help establish the sequence of events and determine whether any additional factors contributed to the collision.

Potential Legal Issues Following a Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash

A police crash report does not necessarily provide the final determination of civil liability.

Multi-vehicle crashes can involve complicated questions about the actions of several drivers, vehicle conditions, roadway design, and other contributing circumstances.

Depending on what an investigation uncovers, potentially responsible parties could include:

• A negligent driver.
• A vehicle owner.
• A trucking company or motor carrier.
• A vehicle maintenance provider.
• A manufacturer if a defective vehicle or component contributed to the crash.
• A governmental entity responsible for a dangerous roadway condition, where permitted by Florida law.
• Other parties whose negligence contributed to the collision.

The currently available information does not establish that any particular party was negligent.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Florida Traffic Accident

When negligence causes or contributes to a fatal crash, qualifying surviving family members may have rights under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26).

Depending on the circumstances, a wrongful death claim may seek compensation for losses including:

• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Medical expenses related to the final injuries.
• Loss of financial support and services.
• Loss of companionship and protection.
• Mental pain and suffering for qualifying survivors.
• Lost earnings and other estate-related damages where permitted.
• Other losses recognized under Florida law.

Because this collision involved three vehicles, including a commercial tractor-trailer, identifying all potentially applicable insurance policies could also be an important part of any civil investigation.

Seriously Injured Survivors May Have Separate Claims

The 15-year-old passenger who survived the crash with serious injuries may have separate legal rights depending on the results of the investigation.

Compensation in a serious injury case can potentially address:

• Hospital and emergency medical expenses.
• Surgery and rehabilitation.
• Future medical treatment.
• Permanent disability or impairment.
• Pain and suffering.
• Scarring or disfigurement.
• Psychological effects of the collision.
• Other damages available under Florida law.

The long-term consequences of a serious injury may not be known immediately, particularly when a child is involved.

Preserving Evidence After a Multi-Vehicle Collision

Evidence preservation can be especially important when a crash involves multiple vehicles and fatalities.

Relevant evidence may include photographs, surveillance and dash-camera footage, Event Data Recorder information, commercial truck records, witness statements, vehicle inspections, medical records, and accident reconstruction findings.

Commercial vehicles can also contain electronic systems capable of providing information about speed, braking, and other vehicle activity surrounding a collision.

Preserving that evidence can help investigators develop a more complete understanding of what occurred.

Investigation Into U.S. 27 Crash Continues

The August 1 South Bay collision has now claimed three lives.

A 37-year-old woman and a 13-year-old girl died at the scene, while a second 13-year-old girl died from her injuries six days later. A 15-year-old girl was also seriously injured, and authorities have not provided a recent update regarding her condition.

Additional information may become available as investigators continue examining why the Cadillac lost control and crossed the median.

The loss of three people, including two 13-year-old girls, makes this an especially heartbreaking tragedy for their families and community.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died and hope the surviving 15-year-old girl makes the fullest recovery possible.