KISSIMMEE, Fla. (WHDH) — Four family members from Massachusetts vacationing during February school break were killed in a chain-reaction crash near Walt Disney World on Tuesday evening, officials said.
Julie Smith, 41, her 5-year-old daughter, Scarlett, and 11-year-old Jaxon, all of Whitman, succumbed to their injuries after a truck rear-ended their rental van on State Road 429 in Kissimmee, Florida, causing it to roll over right when traffic was starting to slow down, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Kim Montes.
The young girl’s maternal grandmother, 76-year-old Josephine Fay, of South Weymouth, was also pronounced dead.
A total of eight family members from Massachusetts were inside the rental van at the time of the crash.
The 5-year-old’s twin sister and her 10-year-old sister were not injured, however, her Jaxon was found unresponsive and in critical condition, Montes added. Her father and maternal grandfather are in stable condition at a hospital.
Jaxon succumbed to his injuries later in the evening.
“We have our victim advocate and other social workers over at the hospital helping this group of people get the help that they need and then also relay the bad news to them,” Montes said.
“It’s a reminder for drivers: traffic can stop suddenly,” Montes added.
Whitman school officials say grief counselors will be made available for students and staff of the Whitman-Hanson community.
“This is a tragedy, and I believe I express the sentiments of all families, students and employees of the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District in saying that we mourn together during this incredibly difficult time,” Superintendent Jeffrey Szymaniak said. “I encourage all families to have honest and open conversations with their children. We have activated all the resources at our disposal, and we will come together as a community to support each other and support our students who have suffered this terrible loss.”
The 26-year-old driver involved in the crash showed no signs of impairment. He has not yet been charged.
The crash remains under investigation.
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