FSU Student Killed, Struck by Car along Alafaya Trail

The Florida Highway Patrol have blocked off the northbound lanes of Alafaya Trail between Econ River Place and McCulloch Road after an accident took place early on Friday morning that resulted in the death of one person. According to the Florida Highway Patrols report, the 20-year-old Austin Ekern, an Oviedo resident, was lying prone on a Seminole County stretch of Alafaya Trail when a passing 2000 Chevrolet pickup truck came down the road and ran him over. The specific details of the scenario are murky, resulting in a large part from the current lack of knowledge held by the Florida Highway Patrol around the circumstances leading up to the accident.

The facts as they are currently known paint a confusing picture. Ekern, who was a student at Florida State University as well as the son of a faculty member of University of Central Florida, was walking along Alafaya Trail when he either lay down or fell into the road. It is not known whether or not Ekern was alone at the time or if he was in the company of anyone else. Furthermore, it is not known whether or not the pickup truck drove by immediately after Ekern collapsed upon it or whether Ekern had been lying in the street for some time before the pickup came by.

Behind the wheel of the truck sat an unnamed 66-year-old Orlando resident. This man did not run from the scene after striking Ekern. Instead, he remained until the police arrived in order to provide them with all the information he had regarding the situation. According to the 66-year-old man’s statement, he did not see Ekern until it was too late. It is not known whether or not he will face any charges relating to the case or if the Florida Highway Patrol believes him free from culpability in this case.

An investigation into the scenario is currently underway as the Florida Highway Patrol work with local authorities to uncover just what occurred on Alafaya Trail on Friday morning. The Florida Highway Patrol are expected to release additional statements as more details come to light.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.