6-Year-Old Girl Dies Following Crash Involving Temple Terrace Police Officer

A tragic crash in Temple Terrace, Florida has claimed the life of a 6-year-old girl and left four others injured, including a police officer, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The collision occurred during the afternoon hours and is now under active investigation.

What We Know About the Crash

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened shortly before 3:45 p.m. on April 15, 2026, at the intersection of Fowler Avenue and North Drive.

Investigators say a 36-year-old woman driving a Nissan Pathfinder was traveling eastbound in a turn lane on Fowler Avenue with three young children in the vehicle—an 8-year-old, a 6-year-old, and a 1-year-old. As the driver attempted to make a U-turn, troopers say she turned into the path of a Temple Terrace police officer driving a Ford Explorer westbound in the center lane.

The vehicles collided, spinning and ultimately coming to rest in a ditch on the north side of the roadway.

All occupants involved in the crash were transported to area hospitals. The 6-year-old girl, who was a passenger in the Pathfinder, later died from her injuries. The officer, the driver, and the other children sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The Dangers of U-Turn and Intersection Collisions

Crashes at intersections—especially those involving U-turns—are a common cause of serious injuries and fatalities.

These collisions often occur due to:

• Failure to yield to oncoming traffic
• Misjudging the speed or distance of approaching vehicles
• Limited visibility at intersections
• Complex traffic patterns in multi-lane roadways

When children are involved, the risk of severe injury or death increases significantly due to their vulnerability.

Legal Considerations in Crashes Involving Police Vehicles

Crashes involving law enforcement vehicles can raise complex legal and factual questions, particularly when determining fault.

Potential factors that may be examined include:

• Whether the turning driver yielded properly
• Speed and positioning of the police vehicle
• Whether the officer was responding to a call or driving under normal conditions
• Roadway design and visibility at the intersection

An independent investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol is standard in these situations to ensure transparency.

Wrongful Death Claims Under Florida Law

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, Florida Statutes §§ 768.16–768.26, the family of a child killed in a crash may be entitled to pursue compensation if negligence contributed to the incident.

Damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Loss of companionship and parental guidance
• Mental pain and suffering

Cases involving the loss of a child are especially complex and emotionally devastating, requiring careful legal evaluation.

Investigation Ongoing

The Florida Highway Patrol is conducting an independent investigation into the crash to determine the cause and any contributing factors.

Our Thoughts Are With the Family

Our thoughts are with the young victim’s family and loved ones during this heartbreaking time.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida in wrongful death cases involving serious vehicle crashes. If your loved one was killed due to another party’s actions, our firm can help investigate the circumstances and pursue justice on your behalf.

We offer free consultations and handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fees unless we recover compensation for your family.