A 10-foot alligator struck on I-95 in Brevard County late Sunday night triggered a deadly chain-reaction crash that killed 20-year-old Cassi Taylor of Palm Bay. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. near the I-95 and SR 520 interchange, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Channing Taylor. The gator, which officials say may be the largest ever hit on a roadway, was struck by a 58-year-old driver who was unharmed.
Cassi Taylor was driving behind the initial crash when she swerved to avoid the gator, lost control of her truck, and was ejected after the vehicle flipped. A third driver then ran her over before fleeing the scene. FHP confirmed Taylor was not wearing a seatbelt, a factor that contributes to 50% of deadly or serious injury crashes, according to crash data.
"It’s very tragic this had to happen," Lt. Taylor said. "A lot of times we see minor crashes that end up becoming major injuries as a result of failure to use the safety equipment." While it’s unclear if a seatbelt would have saved Taylor, officials emphasized the importance of restraints.
Authorities are still searching for the driver who fled after striking Taylor. "We need to know. We need to give closure to families," Lt. Taylor said. FHP is asking witnesses to contact investigators. The gator was removed from the roadway, but its fate remains unknown.
This is the second major alligator incident on I-95 this year. In March, a 7-foot gator was hit near the same interchange, though no injuries were reported. FHP has increased patrols in the area but warns drivers to remain vigilant.