LIVE OAK, Fla. — A devastating crash on U.S. Highway 90 in Suwannee County on Tuesday night claimed the lives of four individuals, including a mother and her two adopted children, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred just before 10 p.m., east of 87th Drive, involving three vehicles: two cars and a pickup truck.
In one of the vehicles, 76-year-old Carolyn Raper of Lake City and her two young daughters, 7-year-old Sophia and 5-year-old Faithann, were killed. The 33-year-old driver of a pickup truck from Live Oak, Martin Lagunas Ramirez, was also killed. A second driver, a 44-year-old man from Live Oak, was hospitalized at UF Health Shands with serious injuries.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers reported that Ramirez’s pickup truck was traveling west when, for unknown reasons, it veered into the eastbound lane and collided with Raper’s car. A third vehicle, also heading east, was unable to stop in time and crashed into the pickup truck.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that Ramirez may have been impaired and was found in possession of cocaine. The state attorney general confirmed that Ramirez was an undocumented immigrant who had previously been deported.
The Florida Highway Patrol and first responders are continuing their investigation into this tragic event. Officials urge anyone with information about the crash to come forward to aid in the investigation.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families of Carolyn Raper, Sophia, and Faithann, and to all who were affected by this heartbreaking loss. The community mourns alongside the survivors and prays for their strength during this unimaginable tragedy.
