University of Florida Freshman, 19, Killed While Crossing University Avenue in Gainesville: Investigation and Legal Options

A 19-year-old University of Florida freshman was struck and killed while crossing West University Avenue in Gainesville in late October 2026, according to the Gainesville Police Department.

Authorities identified the victim as Hazel Krauss, a University of Florida student.

According to WCJB, an eastbound driver swerved to avoid another vehicle and struck Krauss as she crossed the roadway. The driver also collided with the other vehicle.

A nurse who was at the scene provided assistance to Krauss before emergency rescue personnel arrived.

The 19-year-old was transported to a hospital, where she died from her injuries.

Gainesville police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.

What Happened in the Fatal University Avenue Pedestrian Crash?

According to the Gainesville Police Department, Hazel Krauss was crossing West University Avenue when she was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound.

Investigators reported that the driver swerved to avoid another vehicle before hitting Krauss.

The driver also struck the other vehicle.

The collision occurred near the University of Florida campus, an area regularly used by students and other pedestrians.

A nurse at the scene assisted Krauss until rescue crews arrived.

Emergency personnel transported her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The initial report did not identify either driver or explain what caused the first vehicle to swerve.

Authorities also did not specify whether Krauss was crossing within a marked crosswalk or whether a traffic signal controlled the location.

Those details may be important to the investigation.

University of Florida Student Hazel Krauss Identified as Victim

Gainesville police identified the pedestrian killed in the collision as 19-year-old Hazel Krauss.

Krauss was a freshman at the University of Florida.

The report did not provide additional biographical details or identify her hometown.

Her death represents a heartbreaking loss for her family, friends, and the university community.

A young student beginning her college education should have had years of opportunities and experiences ahead of her.

Our deepest condolences go out to Hazel Krauss’s loved ones and everyone affected by this tragedy.

Nurse Provides Assistance Before Rescue Crews Arrive

According to WCJB, a nurse who was present at the crash scene provided assistance to Krauss immediately following the collision.

The nurse continued helping her until emergency rescue crews arrived.

Krauss was subsequently transported to a hospital.

Despite those efforts, she died from her injuries.

The report does not describe the medical care provided at the scene, the nature of Krauss’s injuries, or how long she remained at the hospital.

No additional injuries were confirmed in the supplied report.

Where Did the Gainesville Pedestrian Accident Occur?

The collision occurred along West University Avenue near the University of Florida campus in Gainesville.

West University Avenue is a major roadway bordering the university area and serving motorists, pedestrians, students, and local businesses.

The report identifies the general roadway but does not specify the exact intersection or crossing location.

It also does not establish whether Krauss was in a designated crosswalk when she was struck.

The distinction is important because pedestrian and driver responsibilities can vary depending on traffic signals, crosswalk markings, and other roadway conditions.

Investigators may need to examine the location of the impact, the vehicles’ movements, and any available traffic-control devices to determine what happened.

Why Did the Driver Swerve Before Striking the Student?

According to Gainesville police, the eastbound driver swerved to avoid another vehicle.

The driver then struck Krauss and collided with the other vehicle.

The initial report does not explain why the driver needed to take evasive action.

It also does not specify whether the other vehicle was turning, changing lanes, stopped, or traveling in the same direction.

Those circumstances could be significant when investigators reconstruct the collision.

An emergency maneuver may be a driver’s response to an unexpected roadway hazard, but whether that response was reasonable depends on the surrounding facts.

The report does not establish that either driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or violating a traffic law.

It would be premature to assign fault without additional evidence.

Florida Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws

Florida Statute § 316.130 governs many of the responsibilities of pedestrians and motorists.

The statute includes rules concerning pedestrian crossings, traffic-control signals, and drivers’ duties when approaching pedestrians.

At certain marked crosswalks and intersections, drivers are required to yield or stop for pedestrians under the conditions specified by law.

Pedestrians also have responsibilities when crossing roadways, including following applicable traffic signals and yielding to vehicles in certain circumstances outside crosswalks.

The exact legal duties depend on the location and conditions of the crossing.

In the October 2026 Gainesville collision, police have not publicly established whether Krauss was in a marked crosswalk or whether a pedestrian signal was present.

Those facts would need to be confirmed before determining which specific right-of-way requirements applied.

Can a Driver Be Liable After Swerving to Avoid Another Vehicle?

When a motorist swerves to avoid another vehicle and strikes a pedestrian, determining liability may require examining the conduct of both drivers.

An investigation may consider whether either driver created an unreasonable hazard, failed to yield, changed lanes unsafely, or otherwise failed to exercise reasonable care.

Investigators may also examine whether the evasive maneuver was reasonably necessary under the circumstances.

The fact that a driver swerved does not automatically establish negligence.

Likewise, the fact that another vehicle was involved does not establish that its driver caused the crash.

In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for a collision.

However, the available report does not provide enough information to determine whether either driver was negligent in Krauss’s death.

Florida Laws Relevant to Multi-Vehicle Pedestrian Accidents

Several Florida traffic statutes may be relevant to an investigation involving a pedestrian and two vehicles.

Florida Statute § 316.130: Pedestrian Traffic Regulations

Florida Statute § 316.130 establishes rules governing pedestrians and drivers at crosswalks and other roadway locations.

The statute also addresses the responsibilities of motorists to exercise care around pedestrians.

Its application depends on the specific circumstances of the crossing.

Florida Statute § 316.089: Driving Within a Lane

Florida Statute § 316.089 generally requires drivers to operate their vehicles as nearly as practicable within a single lane and to change lanes only when it is safe.

This law may be relevant if investigators determine that a lane movement contributed to the collision.

However, the report does not establish that an unsafe lane change occurred.

Florida Statute § 316.1925: Careless Driving

Florida Statute § 316.1925 generally requires motorists to drive carefully and prudently, considering traffic and roadway conditions.

A driver’s failure to exercise reasonable care may be relevant in a negligence investigation.

No careless driving citation or other traffic charge was identified in the initial report.

Who May Be Liable for a Fatal Pedestrian Accident?

Civil liability in a fatal pedestrian accident depends on whether another party’s negligence or other legally actionable conduct caused or contributed to the death.

In a collision involving more than one vehicle, investigators may need to evaluate each driver’s conduct separately.

Evidence may reveal that one driver caused the initial hazard, that another driver responded unreasonably, or that other circumstances contributed.

The location where the pedestrian crossed may also be relevant.

However, no determination of fault has been reported in connection with Krauss’s death.

Her presence in the roadway does not, by itself, establish negligence on her part.

Likewise, the driver’s attempt to avoid another vehicle does not automatically eliminate potential liability.

A thorough investigation is necessary before legal responsibility can be assessed.

Can Hazel Krauss’s Family Pursue a Wrongful Death Claim?

Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, found in Florida Statutes §§ 768.16 through 768.26, allows certain civil claims when a person’s death results from another party’s negligence or other legally actionable conduct.

The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate generally brings a wrongful death action on behalf of eligible survivors and the estate.

Depending on the circumstances and statutory requirements, potentially recoverable damages may include:

• Loss of support and services
• Mental pain and suffering for eligible survivors
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses when recoverable
• Other damages available to the estate under Florida law

The categories of damages available depend on the deceased person’s family relationships and other legal requirements.

For the death of a 19-year-old unmarried adult, the specific provisions governing surviving parents and other family members can be particularly important.

However, the available report does not establish Krauss’s family circumstances or whether another party’s negligence caused the collision.

Whether a wrongful death claim exists would depend on the findings of a more complete investigation.

What Evidence Is Important in a Fatal Pedestrian Crash Investigation?

Investigating a pedestrian collision involving two vehicles may require reconstructing the movements of both vehicles and the pedestrian.

Relevant evidence may include:

• Traffic-camera or surveillance footage
• Dash-camera recordings
• Witness statements
• Vehicle damage and impact locations
• Roadway debris and tire marks
• Traffic signal timing
• Crosswalk markings and roadway layout
• Vehicle electronic data, if available
• Police crash reports
• Medical and forensic findings

In this case, investigators may examine the eastbound driver’s evasive maneuver, the position of the other vehicle, and Krauss’s location when she was struck.

The initial report does not disclose whether surveillance footage or other recordings have been obtained.

Preserving available evidence can be important when the sequence of events is disputed.

Pedestrian Safety Near College Campuses

Roadways surrounding universities frequently carry a mixture of pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle traffic.

Students may travel between classrooms, housing, restaurants, and other destinations throughout the day and evening.

Drivers approaching campus areas must remain attentive to pedestrians and follow applicable speed limits, traffic signals, and right-of-way rules.

Pedestrians must also comply with applicable crossing regulations.

Fatal collisions can raise broader questions about traffic safety, roadway design, and pedestrian protections.

However, the available report does not establish that any roadway design defect or inadequate safety measure contributed to Krauss’s death.

Any such conclusion would require additional evidence.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Families After Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

The sudden death of a young person in a pedestrian accident can leave a family facing overwhelming grief and unanswered questions.

When a collision involves multiple vehicles, determining what happened may require a detailed review of the drivers’ actions, roadway conditions, and available physical evidence.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, our attorneys represent individuals and families affected by serious pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents throughout Florida.

The firm handles personal injury and wrongful death matters involving alleged negligence, catastrophic injuries, and complex liability disputes.

Depending on the circumstances, evaluating a potential claim may involve reviewing crash reconstruction evidence, preserving video footage, examining traffic-control devices, and identifying applicable insurance coverage.

If your family has lost a loved one in a Florida pedestrian accident, Flanagan & Bodenheimer offers free, confidential consultations to discuss potential legal options.

Gainesville Police Investigating Death of UF Freshman Hazel Krauss

Gainesville police are investigating a fatal pedestrian collision that claimed the life of 19-year-old University of Florida freshman Hazel Krauss.

According to WCJB, Krauss was crossing West University Avenue when an eastbound driver swerved to avoid another vehicle and struck her.

The driver also collided with the other vehicle.

A nurse at the scene assisted Krauss until rescue crews arrived.

She was transported to a hospital, where she died.

Authorities have not publicly established what caused the driver to swerve or whether either motorist violated a traffic law.

The precise crossing location and other circumstances remain unconfirmed in the available report.

Our deepest condolences go out to Hazel Krauss’s family, friends, classmates, and the University of Florida community.

About the Attorney

Michael T. Flanagan, Esq.

Michael T. Flanagan, Esq., is a dedicated civil litigator with over a decade of experience representing victims of negligence and corporate misconduct. He gained national recognition at 29 for securing a multi-million-dollar settlement against a major corporation, making him one of the youngest attorneys to achieve such a result. Known for handling difficult cases, he has repeatedly won multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements in cases other firms had turned down. He co-founded Flanagan & Bodenheimer to offer personalized, high-quality legal representation to those in need.