Third Victim, 15-Year-Old Girl, Dies After Lake City Hit-and-Run Crash

A third person has died following a deadly hit-and-run crash on U.S. Highway 90 in Lake City, according to the Lake City Police Department.

Authorities said 15-year-old Mae Waters died at the hospital on August 19, 2026, several days after the collision. Two other victims, 44-year-old Bonnie Jean Welker and 16-year-old Mya Raulerson, were also killed in the crash.

A 31-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident, and police said additional charges may be filed.

What Happened in the Fatal Lake City Crash?

According to investigators, the crash occurred Saturday on U.S. Highway 90 at Northwest Centurion Court.

Police said Jaron Carr, 31, was driving a Ford F-150 at a high rate of speed when the pickup collided with a minivan that was turning at the intersection.

The collision ultimately claimed the lives of three people:

• Bonnie Jean Welker, 44
• Mya Raulerson, 16
• Mae Waters, 15

Waters initially survived the collision but later died at the hospital on Wednesday.

Driver Allegedly Left the Scene

Investigators said Carr left the crash scene before officers arrived.

Detectives identified him as the suspected driver and located him a short time later at the Gateway Inn.

Police arrested Carr on charges that included:

• Leaving the scene of a crash
• Driving with a suspended license
• Outstanding warrants from Missouri
• An outstanding warrant from Brevard County, Florida

Authorities said additional charges may be added as the investigation continues.

The allegations against Carr have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

High Speed May Have Contributed to the Collision

Investigators said the F-150 was traveling at a high rate of speed before colliding with the minivan.

Speed can dramatically increase both the likelihood and severity of a crash. A speeding driver may have less time to recognize a turning vehicle or other roadway hazard, while the greater force generated at impact can lead to catastrophic injuries.

Police have not released the truck’s estimated speed or provided additional details about the precise sequence of events leading to the collision.

Fatal Hit-and-Run Crashes Can Lead to Serious Criminal Charges

Florida law requires drivers involved in crashes resulting in injury or death to stop and comply with certain legal duties.

Leaving the scene of a fatal crash can result in serious felony charges. Other charges may also be pursued depending on the evidence regarding speeding, reckless driving, impairment or other conduct.

Police have already said additional charges may be added in connection with the Lake City crash.

Criminal Charges and Wrongful Death Claims Are Separate

The criminal case against the accused driver is separate from any potential civil claims arising from the deaths of the three victims.

A criminal prosecution focuses on whether the state can prove that a defendant violated Florida law.

A wrongful death case instead focuses on whether another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct caused a death and what compensation may be available to surviving family members.

A criminal conviction is not necessarily required before a family can pursue a civil claim.

Potential Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Hit-and-Run

If another driver’s negligence causes a fatal collision, qualifying surviving family members may have rights under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, Florida Statutes §§ 768.16–768.26.

Depending on the circumstances, damages may potentially include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses associated with final injuries
• Loss of financial support and services
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering for qualifying survivors
• Certain lost earnings and estate-related damages
• Other damages permitted under Florida law

Because this crash resulted in three deaths, separate wrongful death claims could potentially arise for each victim depending on the evidence and applicable insurance coverage.

Punitive Damages May Be Considered in Some Cases

In cases involving particularly reckless or intentional misconduct, Florida law may allow punitive damages under certain circumstances.

Punitive damages are different from ordinary compensatory damages because they are intended to punish especially wrongful conduct and deter similar behavior.

Whether punitive damages could apply in this case would depend on the evidence developed during the investigation and any subsequent civil litigation.

An allegation of speeding or leaving the scene does not automatically establish entitlement to punitive damages.

Preserving Evidence After a Fatal Hit-and-Run

Evidence can be especially important in a crash involving allegations of excessive speed and leaving the scene.

Potentially relevant evidence may include:

• Event Data Recorder information from the vehicles
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Dash-camera recordings
• Witness statements
• Crash scene photographs and measurements
• Vehicle damage
• Cell phone records when legally obtainable
• Police body-camera footage
• Vehicle location or GPS information
• Accident reconstruction findings

Because police located the suspected driver relatively soon after the crash, investigators may also have had an opportunity to inspect the F-150 before evidence could be altered or lost.

Lake City Police Investigation Continues

The Lake City Police Department continues to investigate the fatal crash on U.S. Highway 90.

Authorities say Carr was driving a Ford F-150 at high speed when it collided with a turning minivan before he allegedly left the scene.

Welker and Raulerson died following the crash, and Waters died several days later at the hospital, bringing the death toll to three.

Police said additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses.

Remembering the Victims

The loss of three people, including two teenagers, is a devastating tragedy for their families and the Lake City community.

We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Bonnie Jean Welker, Mya Raulerson and Mae Waters as they mourn these heartbreaking losses.