Florida Woman Admits to Being High on Meth When She Struck and Killed 8-Year-Old in Hit-and-Run Crash

A tragic hit-and-run crash in Winter Haven has left one child dead and another critically injured after authorities say a driver under the influence of methamphetamine struck two boys outside a church.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, a 30-year-old Winter Haven woman has been arrested in connection with the crash that occurred outside Faith Baptist Church on Crystal Beach Road.

Investigators say the driver admitted she had used methamphetamine before getting behind the wheel on the night of the crash.

Authorities say the crash occurred just before 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening during a church function attended by local families.

According to investigators, two boys — an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old — had crossed the street briefly before attempting to cross back toward the church.

Deputies say a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe traveling northbound on Crystal Beach Road struck both children as they attempted to cross the roadway.

Tragically:

• The 8-year-old boy was killed at the scene
• The 10-year-old boy suffered severe injuries and was transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children

The surviving child suffered a broken arm, a broken femur, and a compound skull fracture, and remains in critical but stable condition.

Authorities say the driver did not stop after hitting the children and fled the scene.

Investigation Leads to Arrest

Investigators used surveillance footage and debris from the crash scene to identify a suspect vehicle — a dark SUV.

The following day, the suspect reportedly called the sheriff’s office to falsely report her vehicle stolen.

When deputies arrived at her home to investigate the claim, authorities said she had already left the area.

Investigators later located the damaged vehicle on **State Road 60 in Lake Wales.

Two individuals inside the vehicle attempted to flee and briefly barricaded themselves inside a nearby home before being taken into custody.

During questioning, investigators say the suspect gave multiple conflicting stories, including:

• Claiming the vehicle was stolen
• Saying she loaned the vehicle to someone else
• Claiming she gave the vehicle to another person to dispose of

Authorities say she later admitted she regularly uses methamphetamine and had used the drug before driving that night.

Charges Filed Against the Driver

The suspect was arrested and booked on multiple charges, including:

• Leaving the scene of a crash involving death
• Leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury
• Tampering with evidence
• Driving without a license causing death
• Providing false information to law enforcement

The investigation remains ongoing.

The Dangers of Drug-Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of drugs such as methamphetamine can severely impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle.

Methamphetamine can cause:

• Poor judgment and risk-taking behavior
• Delayed reaction times
• Impaired perception of speed and distance
• Aggressive or reckless driving

Drivers who operate vehicles while impaired put everyone on the road at serious risk, including pedestrians and children.

Legal Options for Families After Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

When a pedestrian is killed or seriously injured by a negligent or impaired driver, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law.

Civil claims can help families recover compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to the injury
• Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
• Loss of future financial support

Even when criminal charges are filed, families may still pursue civil legal action against the responsible party.

Seeking Justice After a Tragic Loss

The death of a child in a preventable crash is a devastating tragedy for families and the community.

As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with additional information about the crash to contact law enforcement.

If you or a loved one was involved in a similar accident, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.