Florida State Student Dies After Being Struck by an Officer’s SUV in Collier County

A GoFundMe account has recently been created to assist the family of a 19-year-old pedestrian who sustained fatal injuries after he was struck by the SUV of a Collier County Sheriff’s Office deputy while walking through a gas station parking lot early Sunday morning.

According to initial reports from members of the Florida Highway Patrol, it was shortly after midnight on May 8, 2022, when a 33-year-old female deputy with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office was driving her department-issued sport utility vehicle in the northbound direction of Santa Barbara Boulevard near Naples. As she approached the Circle K gas station located at 1998 Santa Barbara Boulevard with her vehicle’s emergency lights activated, 19-year-old Naples resident Jacob Moreno allegedly stepped out in front of the SUV. The deputy was unable to avoid a collision with Moreno and crashed into the young man.

After the auto accident occurred, the 33-year-old officer stopped her vehicle and attempted to assist the victim, however, his injuries proved to be far too severe and he passed away at the scene before further medical assistance could arrive at the crash site.

Although the driver was unharmed in the collision, she has since been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation that will be performed by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Professional Responsibility Bureau. They will try to determine if the deputy followed the necessary procedures and policies when involved in an accident of this caliber.

The 19-year-old victim, Jacob Moreno, was a talented musician who had just completed his freshman year at Florida State University. Multiple relatives and friends of Moreno have made social media posts stating how beloved he was and how he positively impacted their lives. Our thoughts go out to everyone impacted by this truly tragic incident.

Since 1977, Florida auto accident lawyer James O. Cunningham has been dedicated to the compassionate representation of the families of victims who have lost their lives in pedestrian accidents. If you would like to schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation, please submit a few details surrounding your case through a contact form on our website or call our office directly at 888-FLA-AUTO to speak with a legal representative.

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.