UPDATE APRIL 30 6 P.M.
A memorial for an Florida State sophomore is growing in the College Town neighborhood following a deadly crash Monday night.
While the Florida State community mourns the loss of 20-year-old Elizabeth "Ellie" Sims, neighborhood reporter, Alberto Camargo, is asking fellow students who cross streets in the neighborhood as often as Ellie did about their experiences. He's also asking what needs to be done in the aftermath.
A memorial for Ellie was set up on the corner of West Pensacola Street and Lorene Street Tuesday morning. As students stopped by to leave flowers and console each other, Camargo spoke with a couple of students who lived in the same apartment building as Ellie.
"I mean I always look both ways but I never really thought about how careful you have to be." Natalia Gomez says she uses this crosswalk every single day. Now, she says just one crash is one too many and more safety measures should be put in place. "It's not enough just to have this as an everyday cross especially when kids are using this everyday to get to campus and nobody I guess is really paying attention."
"It hurts my heart. I will never get used to hearing about these college student deaths -- it just doesn't feel real to me. It's so sad." Samantha Donofrio says Ellie's death needs to be remembered by everyone in the neighborhood and beyond. "Especially for people that do know about it, I hope this girl's death isn't vain and they take it to heart and they are a lot more conscious."
Tallahassee Police arrested an 18-year-old for Monday night's crash after they drove away from the scene. The crash is the first in the city to result in a pedestrian's death this year, according to the Florida Traffic Safety Dashboard, but it comes just days before thousands flood into town for graduation ceremonies.
Tallahassee Police say they are committed to enhancing pedestrian safety through proactive measures and community engagement.
UPDATE APRIL 30 12:45 P.M.
Florida State University confirmed Elizabeth “Ellie” Sims died following the crash Monday night. She was a sophomore at FSU. Her hometown is Franklin, Tenn. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
In a statement emailed to ABC 27, FSU President Richard McCullough said, "We are deeply saddened by the heartbreaking loss of one of our students, Elizabeth “Ellie” Sims, who was killed Monday when she was struck by a vehicle near campus. Our thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends during this difficult time. Counseling services are available to anyone in the Florida State University family who would like support as we navigate this tragedy together. I encourage anyone struggling with this loss to reach out for assistance."
UPDATE APRIL 30 12:15 P.M.
Tallahasssee Police released the following update regarding Monday night's crash:
The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) has arrested one person following the deadly hit-and-run crash that occurred on Monday, April 29, at approximately 6:40 p.m. at the intersection of Pensacola Street and Lorene Street.
Preliminary information obtained from witnesses on scene indicate the victim, an adult female, was utilizing the designated crosswalk when she was struck by 18-year-old Willis Trueblood Jr. Following the collision, Trueblood fled the scene.
Witnesses and passersby immediately attempted to render life-saving aid to the victim, who sadly succumbed to her injuries on scene.
With assistance from the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), law enforcement received valuable information regarding the vehicle involved. Less than two hours after the incident, both the vehicle and its driver were located in southwest Tallahassee. Trueblood Jr. was apprehended without further incident and now faces charges of leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
TPD is committed to enhancing pedestrian safety through proactive measures and community engagement. Drivers are reminded of the importance of adhering to posted traffic signals, ensuring the safe passage of pedestrians throughout Tallahassee. If you see someone driving erratically or with a disregard for the safety of others, say something. Report criminal activity by calling TPD at 850-891-4200. You can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.
ARRESTED: Willis Trueblood Jr, 18, for leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
ORIGINAL STORY:
- Tallahassee police are investigating a crash involving a pedestrian.
- It happened near Lorene and Pensacola Street.
- The pedestrian was killed.
The Tallahassee Police Department is investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian. TPD says a woman was hit and killed near the intersection of Lorene and Pensacola Street around 6:40 p.m. Monday evening.
Tallahassee police have closed Pensacola Street from Woodward Ave. to Gray St. while they investigate. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area.
