Kissimmee, FL (January 3, 2025) – A deadly collision on the Florida Turnpike near mile marker 250 claimed the life of a St. Cloud man and left a deputy with minor injuries on Thursday evening. The accident, which involved an Orange County Sheriff’s Office vehicle and a 2014 Subaru BRZ, occurred in the northbound lanes of the Turnpike near Kissimmee around 7 p.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
The deputy, driving a Ford F-150 sheriff’s vehicle, reported experiencing a mechanical issue that caused him to lose control. The patrol truck became disabled and veered into the path of the Subaru, resulting in a serious collision. Emergency responders arrived promptly and transported the deputy to Osceola Regional Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries.
The driver of the Subaru, a 37-year-old St. Cloud resident, was also taken to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The northbound lanes of the Turnpike were closed for several hours as investigators worked to determine the exact cause of the crash. Traffic was diverted at Osceola Parkway during the closure.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased, and we wish the injured deputy a quick recovery.
Law Enforcement Vehicle Crashes in Florida
Crashes involving law enforcement vehicles, while rare, often draw significant attention due to the complexities of the situations. Florida’s Turnpike is a busy thoroughfare, and incidents involving emergency vehicles present additional risks to other road users.
Mechanical failures, as cited in this crash, can lead to sudden and unavoidable accidents. It is critical for law enforcement agencies to maintain a rigorous vehicle inspection and maintenance protocol to prevent such incidents. Drivers sharing the road with law enforcement and emergency vehicles should also exercise caution, giving them ample space to navigate.
Accidents like this highlight the importance of adhering to Florida’s “Move Over” laws, which require drivers to move over or slow down when approaching stopped emergency or law enforcement vehicles.
If you or a loved one has been affected by an accident involving an emergency vehicle, contact Local Accident Reports for support and guidance.