On Saturday evening, a tragic two-car crash on Florida’s State Road 33 killed two high school students and injured dozens more. Authorities said the crash involved a 16-year-old girl and her 17-year-old boyfriend from South Lake High School, as well as a 75-year-old Lakeland man driving an SUV.
According to accounts from the Orlando Sentinel, Fox 35 Orlando, and the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at 6 p.m. on November 15, when a 16-year-old driver in a 2008 Toyota Scion attempted to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone.
According to troopers, the young driver went into the northbound lane but shortly noticed a 2021 Lincoln Aviator approaching her. As she attempted to return to her lane, she lost control of her car and drove back into the SUV’s path. The accident caused the Scion to topple, killing both the driver and her passenger on the spot.
Officials named the victims as Jade, 16, and her 17-year-old boyfriend, Jose Ivan. Both attended South Lake High School in Groveland, according to Lake County Schools.
The 75-year-old man driving the Lincoln Aviator suffered minor injuries and was hospitalized, along with his passengers, a 66-year-old woman and a 5-year-old son. A 6-year-old child who was also riding in the Lincoln was critically hurt and remains in the hospital.
Authorities have not revealed whether any charges will be brought, but the Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating the cause of the collision.
Friends and family of the victims characterized Jade and Jose as a loving, inseparable couple with a promising future. The Groveland community has been devastated by the unexpected loss, with students leaving words, photos, and flowers outside the school gate.
“This tragedy has touched everyone who knew them,” one classmate shared online. “They were young, kind, and full of life — it’s just devastating.”
Counseling services are being provided to students and faculty while the school community grieves together.
Authorities have asked anybody who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage from the area surrounding State Road 33 near Polk County on Saturday evening to contact the Florida Highway Patrol.
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