Brevard County, FL (September 11, 2025) – A 49-year-old man from Cocoa was killed in a violent crash on Wednesday evening after running a red light and colliding with another vehicle at the intersection of U.S. Highway 1 and Blacks Road near Cocoa. The incident occurred around 6:34 p.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Troopers reported that the driver was behind the wheel of a 1998 Chevrolet S-10 pickup, heading northbound on US-1, when he failed to slow for traffic already stopped at the intersection. Witnesses told FHP the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it swerved and entered the intersection against a red light.
At that same moment, a 2019 Nissan Sentra being driven by a 45-year-old Cocoa woman was turning from the southbound lanes. The front ends of both vehicles collided, sending the pickup off the roadway, where it struck a utility pole before overturning multiple times and coming to rest on its roof.
The driver of the pickup truck was pronounced dead at the scene. FHP confirmed he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The woman in the Nissan was not injured, according to the report.
An investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased man during this difficult time.
Intersection Crashes and Seat Belt Safety in Florida
High-speed intersection crashes—especially those involving red-light violations—are among the deadliest types of collisions on Florida roadways. In this tragic incident, a combination of speeding, failure to stop at a red light, and not wearing a seat belt contributed to a fatal outcome. The pickup driver’s loss of control not only led to a violent collision with another vehicle but also a secondary impact with a utility pole and a rollover.
Seat belt use continues to be one of the most effective safety measures in crash survival. FHP data and national studies consistently show that not wearing a seat belt significantly increases the risk of fatal injury in rollover and high-speed crashes. In this case, the victim may have been ejected or severely impacted inside the vehicle as it overturned, emphasizing the life-saving importance of restraint use.
Florida law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts, and failure to do so can lead to both legal consequences and tragic outcomes. Additionally, when drivers ignore red lights or speed through intersections, they place everyone around them at risk—especially in areas like US-1, where cross-traffic and turning vehicles are common.
Fortunately, the driver of the Nissan Sentra escaped injury, but the emotional impact of witnessing or being involved in such a crash can be long-lasting.
For those grieving the loss of a loved one in a preventable traffic crash, legal options such as wrongful death claims may be available—particularly if the crash involved reckless behavior, vehicle defects, or additional contributing factors. These claims can help families recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional hardship.
If you or someone you love has been impacted by a fatal or serious crash in Brevard County, Local Accident Reports is here to provide support. We offer timely updates, legal resource connections, and guidance for those navigating the aftermath of a tragedy. Contact us today to take the next step toward healing and accountability.
