Two Killed After SUV Strikes Fallen Tree on U.S. 90 in Jefferson County

A man and a woman were killed Sunday morning after the SUV they were traveling in struck a large tree that had fallen across U.S. 90 in Jefferson County, according to local authorities.

The fatal crash happened at approximately 7:15 a.m. on October 4, 2026, near Misty Lake Road.

Jefferson County Fire Rescue Chief Derrick Burros said the SUV was traveling westbound on U.S. 90 when it collided with the tree, which was blocking both lanes of the highway.

Both occupants of the SUV died in the crash.

What Happened in the Jefferson County Crash?

According to officials, a large tree had fallen across U.S. 90 near Misty Lake Road before the collision.

An SUV traveling westbound struck the tree. The two people inside the vehicle, identified only as a man and a woman in initial reports, suffered fatal injuries.

Another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction also collided with the fallen tree. According to Chief Burros, the driver of that vehicle was not injured.

The crash and emergency response blocked traffic along U.S. 90 Sunday morning.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the collision. Authorities had not released additional information about the victims or the circumstances surrounding the fallen tree as of the initial report.

Who May Be Liable When a Fallen Tree Causes a Florida Car Accident?

Crashes caused by fallen trees can raise different liability questions than typical collisions between vehicles.

The fact that a tree was in the roadway does not automatically mean another person or entity was negligent. Determining whether anyone may be legally responsible generally requires investigating why the tree fell and whether someone knew or reasonably should have known that it presented a dangerous condition.

For example, an investigation may examine whether the tree showed visible signs of decay or instability, whether previous complaints had been made, whether weather conditions caused it to fall unexpectedly, and who owned or maintained the property where the tree was located.

If a dangerous tree was located on private property, questions may arise about whether the property owner had notice of the hazard. If the tree was located within a public right-of-way, different issues involving roadway inspection and maintenance could potentially arise.

At this time, authorities have not indicated why the tree fell or suggested that any person or entity was responsible for its presence in the roadway.

Government Liability Can Involve Different Rules

If an investigation determines that a state or local government agency was responsible for maintaining the area where a dangerous condition existed, a potential claim can involve additional legal requirements.

Florida law generally provides governmental entities with certain protections under sovereign immunity while allowing some negligence claims under limited circumstances.

Claims involving government entities may also be subject to special notice requirements and limitations that do not apply to ordinary personal injury or wrongful death claims.

Whether those rules have any relevance to this particular crash would depend on where the tree originated, who was responsible for maintaining it, and what investigators determine about its condition before it fell.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Florida Crash

When negligence contributes to a fatal accident, surviving family members may have rights under the Florida Wrongful Death Act.

Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages can potentially include certain medical and funeral expenses, lost financial support and services, and damages suffered by qualifying survivors.

Before determining whether a wrongful death claim exists, however, it is necessary to establish whether another person or entity owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and contributed to the death.

In a crash involving a fallen tree, that can require a detailed investigation into the tree’s ownership, maintenance history and condition before the accident.

Evidence That Could Be Important in a Fallen-Tree Crash

Because the condition of the tree before it fell may become important, preserving evidence early can help determine what happened.

Photographs and video from the crash scene may document the tree’s location, root system, trunk and surrounding property. Maintenance records, previous complaints, weather reports, witness statements and prior photographs of the area may also provide useful information.

An investigation may additionally determine whether nearby surveillance cameras or traffic cameras captured the tree falling or the moments immediately before the collision.

When a serious or fatal accident involves an unusual roadway hazard, an independent investigation can help families understand whether the incident was unavoidable or whether negligence contributed to the dangerous condition.

FHP Investigating Fatal U.S. 90 Crash

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the October 4 crash on U.S. 90 near Misty Lake Road in Jefferson County.

Initial reports indicate that a large tree fell across both lanes of the highway before a westbound SUV struck it. The man and woman inside the SUV were killed.

A second vehicle traveling in the opposite direction also struck the tree, but its driver was not injured.

Authorities had not released the identities of the two people who died or additional information about what caused the tree to fall.

We extend our condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic crash.