In a truly horrific car accident, the daughter of a Florida deputy lost her life on Sunday, August 30, in a car crash that was apparently caused by an alligator. Per WFLA NBC8, Cassi Taylor, 20, was a civilian corrections assistant in the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. In fact, Taylor just got that role in July. She was about to be sworn in on Monday, August 31. Tragically, she lost her life "in a chain-reaction crash on I-95 that was caused by an alligator, officials said." Her dad is Deputy Scott Burke.
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Taylor's Car Swerved and She Was Ejected
Per the outlet, Cassi Taylor was traveling in Brevard County on I-95. A vehicle in front of hers struck an alligator in the road. "Taylor swerved in an attempt to avoid hitting the other driver, but in doing so, lost control of her vehicle, according to officials." Her car rolled over and she was thereby ejected.
Yet another motorist then allegedly struck Taylor. That individual reportedly left the scene and has not been found at this time.
Per the New York Post, Taylor was driving a Toyota Tacoma pickup. The vehicle in front of her was a Mercedes driven by a Canadian, age 58. The deadly pileup took place in Titusville, "just before midnight Sunday." Cassi Taylor was reportedly not wearing a seat belt.
A GoFundMe Was Arranged for Her
In a GoFundMe whose donations have now been paused, Cassi Taylor was described affectionately. In fact, it read in part, "Cassi was tragically killed in a car accident last night, August 30, 2026. Cassi was an amazing young lady with a heart of pure gold who will dearly be missed."
Additionally, one hundred twenty-five donations were received. A total of $14,785 was raised. The goal was $16,000.
The Florida Highway Patrol's Reminder About Seat Belts
According to the FHP web site, "Passengers 18 years or older will be charged with a violation if they fail to wear a seat belt when required by law." Furthermore, "Drivers will be charged with a seat belt violation if any passenger under the age of 18 is not restrained with a seat belt or child restraint device."
