Driver struck two pedestrians crossing the street
March 18, 2026 | Miami, FL
A devastating incident unfolded on Collins Avenue when two young women from Indiana lost their lives after being struck by a vehicle traveling at excessive speed without illumination.
Greatgomon Laowatdhanasapya, 24, died after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Collins Avenue at 73rd Street in Miami Beach.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision occurred as the victims attempted to cross the intersection at 73rd Street around 9 p.m. The driver, identified as 42-year-old Adan Negron-Morris from Lakeland, was operating a 2013 Nissan Sentra. Authorities report that the vehicle barreled through the area, striking the pedestrians and propelling them into the air.
Both women were immediately transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center, where medical personnel confirmed their passing. Negron-Morris proceeded southward until his car malfunctioned near 74th Street. He then attempted to escape on foot, entering a local pharmacy, where a bystander held him until law enforcement arrived.
Driver's Background and Prior Incident
Investigators uncovered that Negron-Morris had participated in a separate hit-and-run earlier that evening at 71st Street and Bay Drive. A pursuing officer lost track of the suspect's vehicle shortly before the fatal accident. Upon apprehension, Negron-Morris allegedly admitted to officers his intent to end his own life.
A DUI investigation was launched, with toxicology results still forthcoming. Officials suspect the influence of narcotics in the matter.
- Key Incident Details:
- Date: March 18
- Time: Shortly after 9 p.m.
- Location: Collins Avenue at 73rd Street, Miami Beach
- Victims: 24-year-old Greatgomon Laowatdhanasapya and a 22-year-old companion from Indiana
- Vehicle: 2013 Nissan Sentra
- Driver: Adan Negron-Morris, 42, from Lakeland
- Charges: Two counts of reckless vehicular homicide, two counts of leaving the scene of a crash causing death
- Custody: Held at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
High-speed driving, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas like tourist districts, poses significant risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death among young adults, often exacerbated by impaired driving or reckless behavior.
Factor |
Contribution to Crashes |
Source |
|---|
Speeding |
Increases fatal risk by 50% per 10 mph over the limit |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Impaired Driving |
Involved in 28% of traffic fatalities |
CDC |
Hit-and-Run Incidents |
Delays emergency response, worsening outcomes |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Pedestrian Vulnerabilities |
Nighttime collisions 3x more likely without lights |
FHWA |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, determining the precise factors is essential. An attorney can assess insurance options, engage specialists, perform background verifications, and identify eyewitnesses, all while supporting affected families.
“It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses. We carefully guide the family of the victim through the process,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal.
- Takeaways from Analysis:
- Independent investigations help secure vital evidence beyond standard police reports.
- Legal representation aids in evaluating crash contributors like vehicle conditions or driver history.
- Families benefit from guidance in navigating complex claims processes.
Pending outcomes, relatives of the victims may pursue a wrongful death claim to address losses including companionship, suffering, and distress.
"The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. "We understand just what families are forced to go through, and protecting their rights is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected."
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(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).