Two Teens Killed, Several Others Injured in Tragic Crash in Lafayette County

A devastating crash on U.S. 27 in rainy conditions has left two teenagers dead and multiple others injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The crash occurred around 4:07 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, when investigators say the driver of a sedan lost control while traveling north on U.S. 27.

The sedan crossed into the southbound lane and collided head-on with a Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office marked SUV.

Inside the sedan were:

• Driver: a 23-year-old woman from Mayo.
• Front passenger: a 22-year-old man.
• Five juveniles aged 5 to 15 seated in the back.

Of all seven occupants in the sedan, only a 10-year-old girl was wearing a seatbelt, according to FHP.

The crash resulted in catastrophic injuries. A 15-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene, and a 13-year-old girl later died at the hospital.

The 22-year-old passenger and four of the juveniles were ejected from the vehicle.

The 45-year-old sheriff’s deputy driving the SUV was also seriously injured and transported to a local hospital.

This heartbreaking crash underscores the importance of seatbelt use. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of fatal injury by 45% in passenger vehicles.
• Ejection from a vehicle is often fatal—more than 3 out of 4 people ejected in crashes die from their injuries.

In this crash, only one child was wearing a seatbelt, which may have prevented even more loss of life.

Potential Liability in Crashes Involving Law Enforcement Vehicles

Because the collision involved a Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office SUV, there may be questions about liability and whether sovereign immunity applies.

In Florida:

• Government agencies (such as sheriff’s offices) are generally protected by sovereign immunity, but they can be held liable for negligence in certain situations.
• Florida Statutes §768.28 allows claims against government agencies, though damages are capped at $200,000 per individual or $300,000 per incident unless a claims bill is passed by the legislature.
• If the deputy was driving negligently or at an unsafe speed, the victims’ families may have grounds for a claim.

Additionally, liability could extend to the sedan driver, depending on whether she lost control due to negligence (such as speeding in the rain) or due to another contributing factor such as defective tires, poor roadway maintenance, or inadequate drainage on U.S. 27.

What Families Can Do After a Fatal Crash

For families affected by tragedies like this, the legal process may provide some answers and financial relief:

1. Investigate all causes – Accident reconstruction experts may determine whether negligence by either driver or hazardous road conditions contributed to the crash.
2. File a wrongful death claim – Surviving family members of the teens may be able to pursue compensation for funeral expenses, medical costs, and emotional suffering.
3. Consider claims against government entities – If the sheriff’s deputy is found to have been negligent, claims may be pursued under Florida’s sovereign immunity laws.
4. Explore uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage – Families may also look to their own auto insurance for coverage if liability limits are insufficient.

This Lafayette County crash is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly lives can be shattered. Two young teens are gone, several others remain injured, and a sheriff’s deputy is recovering from serious injuries.

As investigators work to determine the exact cause of the crash, the families of the victims may have legal options to hold responsible parties accountable and recover compensation for their immense losses.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we guide families through these difficult situations with compassion and experience. Our attorneys investigate all aspects of serious crashes—including government liability and roadway hazards—to pursue justice for grieving families.

If your family has been affected by a fatal or catastrophic crash in Florida, contact us for a free, confidential consultation.