Charlotte County crash claims life of 12-year-old girl; driver fled prior scene

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla.—A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Charlotte County over the weekend when a fatal head-on crash claimed the life of a 12-year-old girl.

The incident occurred just before 10 p.m. on Saturday night at the intersection of Harborview Road and Laverne Street. 

According to troopers, a 25-year-old man from Lake Placid was speeding along Harborview Road after fleeing a prior crash, leading to the deadly collision.

Charlotte County Public Schools confirmed that the young girl was a student within their district. While the specific school she attended has not been disclosed, the district assured that resources are available for grieving students. 

The crash happened along a curve on Harborview Road, leaving a family and community in mourning.

Lt. Greg Bueno of the Florida Highway Patrol provided details on the crash.

"He approached the curve. He was going way too fast. He crossed the center line, and he went head-on with another unsuspecting vehicle doing nothing wrong," said Bueno.

The pickup truck driven by the 25-year-old man collided head-on with a Chevrolet Malibu, in which the girl was a passenger.

The driver of the Malibu, a 44-year-old man from Charlotte County, sustained serious injuries and was taken to the hospital. Sadly, both the hit-and-run driver and the young girl died at the scene.

"As a result, the individual who caused all of this was pronounced deceased on scene, and tragically, the young girl was us too," said Bueno. "And again, all of this was not needed. Didn't need to happen, and it all could have been avoided if everyone was responsible behind the wheel, made good decisions, and did what they're obligated to do in the event or in a traffic crash, remain on scene, drive sober."

Charlotte County Public Schools issued a statement saying, "The District Crisis Response Team is on campus today and as needed in the coming days. Additional school-based mental health staff will be available on campus for any student who needs a safe space to talk, grieve, or sit in reflection."

The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash, and the driver of the Malibu remains in critical condition.