In a shocking turn of events, a Florida man who survived an early-year car crash only to slip into a coma later alleged that his girlfriend intentionally steered their vehicle into a tree during a heated argument. The man, who died months after the accident, made the assertion while semi-conscious, prompting authorities to bring stronger charges against his partner.
Argument boils over, crash occurs
On February 9, 24-year-old girlfriend and 22-year-old male passenger were travelling on Interstate 95 in Flagler County when a confrontation escalated. According to the passenger’s statement, his pregnant partner accused him of being unfaithful, then declared, “I don’t care what happens, you’ll get what you deserve,” before abruptly veering the car off the highway and into a tree. The vehicle’s event data recorder indicated a speed of approximately 90 mph just prior to the swerve, according to investigators.
Waking from coma, confirming intent
After the crash, the passenger was admitted in critical condition and slipped into a coma. During a brief period of consciousness, he communicated by spelling words in response to questions and identified his girlfriend as the driver who intentionally caused the crash. This revelation, supported by the data recorder’s findings, convinced prosecutors that the crash was not accidental.
Death, upgraded charges and legal ramifications
Despite initial charges of reckless driving and aggravated battery, prosecutors upgraded the case to vehicular homicide following the victim’s death on October 8 due to pneumonia contracted during recovery. The 24-year-old defendant, still free on bond and expecting a child, is scheduled to return to court in November. Meanwhile, the victim’s family is pursuing custody of the unborn baby daughter.
