Two People Killed in Wrong-Way Crash on I-95 in Nassau County

Two people lost their lives early Friday morning following a wrong-way crash on Interstate 95 in Nassau County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The collision shut down all southbound lanes of I-95 for several hours as emergency crews responded and investigators processed the scene.

What We Know About the Crash

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. on July 11, 2026, near State Road 200 at Mile Marker 373 in Yulee.

Investigators reported that:

• A sedan driven by a 39-year-old Jacksonville man was traveling north in the southbound lanes of Interstate 95.
• The sedan collided with an SUV driven by a 49-year-old man from Kingsland, Georgia.
• Following the impact, the SUV overturned.
• A third vehicle struck debris from the crash while attempting to avoid the collision.

The Jacksonville man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the SUV was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The driver of the third vehicle was not injured.

Authorities diverted southbound traffic at U.S. 17 while crews cleared the roadway.

Investigation Continues

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the wrong-way crash.

Investigators will likely examine several factors, including:

• How the wrong-way vehicle entered the interstate.
• Whether impairment, distraction, fatigue, or a medical emergency contributed to the crash.
• Vehicle mechanical condition.
• Roadway signage and traffic controls.
• Witness statements.
• Physical evidence from the crash scene.
• Electronic data from the vehicles involved.

No additional details regarding the cause of the crash have been released.

Wrong-Way Crashes Are Among the Most Dangerous Highway Collisions

Wrong-way crashes often result in devastating consequences because vehicles typically collide head-on at highway speeds.

These collisions frequently cause catastrophic injuries due to the combined force of impact and often involve little opportunity for either driver to avoid the crash.

The Florida Department of Transportation and law enforcement agencies continue working to reduce wrong-way crashes through improved roadway signage, pavement markings, detection technology, and public awareness efforts.

Potential Legal Options After a Fatal Wrong-Way Collision

Every fatal crash requires a thorough investigation before legal responsibility can be determined.

Depending on the facts uncovered, surviving family members may have legal options if another party’s negligence contributed to the collision.

Potential claims may involve:

• Negligent drivers.
• Vehicle manufacturers if a mechanical defect contributed to the crash.
• Government entities responsible for roadway design, maintenance, or traffic control, when permitted under Florida law.
• Other parties whose negligence may have contributed to the incident.

If negligence is established, eligible surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26).

Compensation in a wrongful death case may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Medical expenses incurred before death.
• Loss of financial support and future income.
• Loss of companionship and protection.
• Mental pain and suffering for eligible surviving family members.

Although the driver of the third vehicle was not physically injured, individuals involved in secondary collisions may also have legal rights if they sustained property damage or other financial losses resulting from the crash.

Civil claims are separate from any criminal investigation and focus on determining whether negligence contributed to the collision.

Preserving Evidence Following a Fatal Crash

Evidence can play a critical role in determining exactly how a fatal collision occurred.

Important evidence may include:

• Florida Highway Patrol crash reports.
• Vehicle event data recorders.
• Crash reconstruction analysis.
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage.
• Witness statements.
• Toxicology results, when applicable.
• Photographs and measurements from the crash scene.

Prompt preservation of this evidence can be essential when evaluating potential legal claims.

Investigation Remains Active

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal wrong-way crash on Interstate 95 in Nassau County.

Additional information may be released as investigators determine what led to the collision.

Fatal highway crashes leave lasting impacts on families, friends, and entire communities. We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of both men who lost their lives and to everyone affected by this tragic incident.