Head-On Crash on Thomasville Road Leaves One Dead and Another Critically Injured, FHP Reports

A tragic wrong-way crash on Thomasville Road in northern Leon County left one woman dead and another critically injured on Thursday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The fatal collision occurred around 9 p.m. on December 4 near Iamonia Cut-Off Road — just one mile south of the Georgia state line.

Troopers said a 74-year-old Tallahassee woman was driving a 2014 BMW crossover SUV southbound in the northbound lane of State Road 61 (Thomasville Road). At the same time, a 23-year-old woman from Thomasville, Georgia, was traveling north in a 2020 BMW sedan.

The two vehicles collided head-on, causing catastrophic damage.

Emergency responders pronounced the 74-year-old woman dead at the scene. The 23-year-old sedan driver was rushed to a nearby hospital as a trauma alert and remains in critical condition, according to the FHP news release.

Both drivers were wearing seatbelts and were the only occupants in the vehicles.

Following the collision, the northbound lanes of Thomasville Road were shut down as FHP’s Traffic Homicide Unit conducted a comprehensive investigation. Crews from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Leon County EMS, and the Tallahassee Fire Department assisted at the scene.

Lanes reopened around 2 a.m., several hours after the deadly crash.

What We Know So Far

• Crash occurred around 9 p.m. on Dec. 4
• Location: Thomasville Road (SR-61), just south of Iamonia Cut-Off Road
• A 74-year-old Tallahassee woman driving wrong-way
• A 23-year-old Thomasville, GA woman struck head-on
• One dead, one critically injured
• FHP Traffic Homicide Unit investigating
• No passengers were involved

Authorities have not released the identities of the individuals involved, in accordance with FHP policy.

Wrong-Way Crashes in Florida: A Deadly and Growing Problem

Wrong-way accidents are among the most violent and deadly types of roadway collisions. They often involve:

• High speeds
• Limited reaction time
• Front-end impacts causing severe injuries
• Increased likelihood of fatalities

Common causes include impairment, medical emergencies, confusion in low-visibility areas, or driver error. FHP has not yet indicated what led to the wrong-way travel in this case.

Legal Options After a Wrong-Way Collision

Families impacted by fatal or life-threatening crashes may have legal options under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes § 768.16–768.26) and Florida’s personal injury laws. In cases like this, potential claims may involve:

• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
• Compensation for medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages or future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Punitive damages (in certain circumstances)

Wrong-way accidents often require extensive investigation, including:

• Event data recorders (black box data)
• Roadway markings and surveillance
• Eyewitness statements
• Toxicology reports
• Vehicle impact analysis

Because liability is typically clear in wrong-way collisions, families may be able to pursue claims against the at-fault driver’s estate or insurance company.

Our Firm Represents Families After Devastating Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent victims and families across Florida who have suffered due to negligent or wrongful driving behaviors. We understand how overwhelming a sudden loss can be, and we handle every step of the investigation and claims process for our clients.

We offer:

• Free consultations
• No fees unless we recover compensation
• Experience handling catastrophic and fatal collision cases
• A commitment to uncovering the truth and seeking justice

If you or your family has been affected by a serious crash on Thomasville Road, or anywhere in Florida, our attorneys are here to help.

Contact us today to speak with an attorney about your legal rights.