The Winter Haven community is mourning the deaths of 16-year-old Adinaluz Prieto Oyola and 26-year-old Deshawn Smith following a devastating chain-reaction crash involving a Polk County school bus, a Chevrolet Malibu and a Jeep on Monday morning.
Maria Mondragon Jimenez, 23, of Haines City, was driving the Malibu involved in the crash. According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Jimenez was traveling to work at Lakeland Regional when her vehicle crossed the double yellow line on Lucerne Park Road at approximately 6:12 a.m.
The Malibu struck the rear tandem wheel of the school bus, tearing off a tire and sending the bus into oncoming traffic. The bus then collided head-on with Smith’s Jeep.
Adinaluz Prieto Oyola, a 10th-grade student at Winter Haven High School, was killed in the crash. She was reportedly scheduled to attend her first cheerleading practice that day. School officials described her as an amazing young woman who was loved by her teachers and friends.
Four students attempted to help Adinaluz after the collision. One student was heard telling her, “Don’t worry, I won’t leave you.” Despite their efforts, she could not be removed from the bus.
Deshawn Smith, 26, of Haines City, was driving the Jeep and was on his way to work when the collision occurred. Sheriff Judd said Smith had virtually no opportunity to avoid the school bus after it entered his lane.
The crash also highlighted the actions of school bus driver Jessica Lynn Dye, 34, who was pinned inside the bus but managed to free herself and immediately began helping students. Her 9-year-old daughter was also aboard. Both were discharged from the hospital Monday.
Jimenez called 911 after the crash and cooperated with investigators. Authorities said she was not speeding or using her cellphone, and she reportedly has no recollection of the collision. The cause of her vehicle crossing the center line remains under investigation.
At this time, criminal charges are not expected, although Jimenez could face a traffic citation and civil penalties.
The crash sent dozens of people to hospitals and left the Winter Haven community grieving two lives lost in a sudden and devastating collision.
Maria Jimenez Winter Haven Crash – Adinaluz Prieto Oyola and Deshawn Smith Deaths, Obituaries After Fatal School Bus Collision
The Winter Haven community is mourning the deaths of 16-year-old Adinaluz Prieto Oyola and 26-year-old Deshawn Smith following a devastating chain-reaction crash involving a Polk County school bus, a Chevrolet Malibu and a Jeep on Monday morning.
Maria Mondragon Jimenez, 23, of Haines City, was driving the Malibu involved in the crash. According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Jimenez was traveling to work at Lakeland Regional when her vehicle crossed the double yellow line on Lucerne Park Road at approximately 6:12 a.m.
The Malibu struck the rear tandem wheel of the school bus, tearing off a tire and sending the bus into oncoming traffic. The bus then collided head-on with Smith’s Jeep.
Adinaluz Prieto Oyola, a 10th-grade student at Winter Haven High School, was killed in the crash. She was reportedly scheduled to attend her first cheerleading practice that day. School officials described her as an amazing young woman who was loved by her teachers and friends.
Four students attempted to help Adinaluz after the collision. One student was heard telling her, “Don’t worry, I won’t leave you.” Despite their efforts, she could not be removed from the bus.
Deshawn Smith, 26, of Haines City, was driving the Jeep and was on his way to work when the collision occurred. Sheriff Judd said Smith had virtually no opportunity to avoid the school bus after it entered his lane.
The crash also highlighted the actions of school bus driver Jessica Lynn Dye, 34, who was pinned inside the bus but managed to free herself and immediately began helping students. Her 9-year-old daughter was also aboard. Both were discharged from the hospital Monday.
Jimenez called 911 after the crash and cooperated with investigators. Authorities said she was not speeding or using her cellphone, and she reportedly has no recollection of the collision. The cause of her vehicle crossing the center line remains under investigation.
At this time, criminal charges are not expected, although Jimenez could face a traffic citation and civil penalties.
The crash sent dozens of people to hospitals and left the Winter Haven community grieving two lives lost in a sudden and devastating collision.
