- Free Consultation: 305-638-4143 Tap Here to Call Us
Three Teens, Including 13-Year-Old, Killed in Tragic Rollover Crash in Apopka
A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the Apopka community after a rollover crash early Sunday morning claimed the lives of three teenage boys, including a 13-year-old, and left three others seriously injured.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the fatal crash occurred around 1:30 a.m. on November 9, 2025, along Welch Road near Wekiwa Drive in Apopka. Investigators said a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado carrying six teens ran off the road, struck a tree, and overturned, causing catastrophic damage.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Enrique Rodriguez Sabas, 17
- Julio Valdez Lopez, 17
- Leyner Velazquez, 13
All three were from the Apopka area and students within the Orange County Public Schools system. According to community members, Enrique and Julio were described by family and friends as kind, respectful, and full of potential, while 13-year-old Leyner was remembered as a bright, caring young boy who “loved everyone he met.”
Two GoFundMe campaigns have been created to help their families with funeral expenses and memorial services.
FHP’s preliminary report indicates the pickup truck was traveling eastbound on Welch Road when the 17-year-old driver lost control while negotiating a curve, causing the truck to veer off the roadway and strike a tree.
Troopers confirmed that four of the six teenagers were not wearing seatbelts, including two of the boys who were pronounced dead at the scene. The third teen died later at AdventHealth Apopka.
The remaining three passengers — the 17-year-old driver, a 15-year-old boy, and a 14-year-old boy — were transported to nearby hospitals with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators have not yet determined whether speed, distraction, or impairment were factors in the crash.
The devastating loss has rippled through Apopka High School and Kelly Park K–8 School, where the victims were enrolled.
Orange County School Board member Melissa Byrd issued a heartfelt statement on social media:
“Our Apopka and OCPS community suffered a devastating loss today when three of our students lost their lives in a tragic automobile accident. Please pray for Apopka High School and Kelly Park School as both these schools work through this loss. Hold your kids and loved ones tight — showing your love for each other every day.”
Grief counselors are being made available to students and faculty members.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), teen drivers are four times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than older, more experienced drivers. The combination of inexperience, late-night driving, and peer passengers significantly increases the risk.
Key statistics from FLHSMV’s 2024 report:
- Over 38,000 teen-involved crashes occurred in Florida in 2024.
- Nearly 30% involved speeding or loss of control.
- Seatbelt non-use remains a major contributing factor in fatal crashes involving young drivers and passengers.
Parents are encouraged to set clear driving curfews, limit the number of passengers, and reinforce the importance of wearing seatbelts at all times.
Legal Rights After a Fatal Teen Crash
Families affected by fatal accidents — including those involving teenage drivers — have legal rights under Florida’s Wrongful Death Statute (§768.16–768.26). If negligence, reckless driving, or improper supervision contributed to the crash, families may be entitled to compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs from life-saving efforts
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship and parental guidance
- Loss of future earnings or support
In cases involving underage or unlicensed drivers, liability may also extend to the vehicle owner, parents, or guardians under Florida’s “dangerous instrumentality doctrine.”
At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we work with accident reconstruction experts, investigators, and forensic analysts to uncover the full truth and pursue justice for families devastated by preventable tragedies.
Our attorneys have represented families across Florida who have lost loved ones due to negligent or reckless driving. We understand that no amount of money can heal the pain of losing a child — but accountability can help prevent future loss and bring a sense of justice and closure.
We purposefully maintain a limited caseload to ensure every client receives the individual attention, compassion, and dedication they deserve. Our firm covers all costs upfront, and you pay nothing unless we win.
If your loved one was killed in a fatal crash involving a teenage driver, our team is here to help you understand your rights and navigate the legal process with care and professionalism.
📞 Call 305-638-4143 or contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm online for a free consultation in English or Spanish.
