Cocoa, FL (August 22, 2025) – A tragic single-vehicle rollover crash claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl and injured her 15-year-old sister early Thursday morning in Cocoa. The fatal incident occurred around 3:40 a.m. on State Road 520 near Cressa Circle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The two teenage sisters, both residents of Cocoa, were traveling eastbound in a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan when the crash happened. Investigators report that the vehicle was being driven at a high speed when the 16-year-old driver lost control and veered off the roadway. The van flipped several times across the westbound lanes before striking a guardrail.
The 16-year-old driver was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her younger sister, 15, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained minor injuries and was treated by emergency responders.
Authorities believe the teens were returning to their grandparents’ home at the time of the crash. Their mother did not have custody, and the grandparents, who were unaware the girls had left the house, were asleep during the time of the incident.
The crash forced the temporary closure of all westbound lanes of SR-520 near Cressa Circle. The roadway reopened by approximately 6:00 a.m. Troopers continue to investigate the full circumstances leading up to the crash, including the source of the teens’ late-night outing.
Our hearts go out to the family and community mourning the loss of the young driver, and we wish strength and healing to her injured sister.
Teen Driver Safety and Rollover Crashes in Florida
This heartbreaking rollover crash in Cocoa highlights several critical issues surrounding teen driver safety, vehicle restraint use, and nighttime driving risks. In this case, a 16-year-old driver—without a seatbelt—lost control of a van on State Road 520, resulting in her ejection and death. Her sister, wearing a seatbelt, survived with minor injuries.
Teen drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in serious crashes due to inexperience, risk-taking behaviors, and nighttime driving challenges. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, crashes involving teen drivers increase significantly after 9 p.m., especially when passengers are present and supervision is limited.
The absence of seatbelt use played a major role in the outcome of this crash. Studies consistently show that unbelted occupants are far more likely to be ejected and killed in rollover incidents, which are among the most dangerous types of single-vehicle crashes. The surviving passenger’s use of a seatbelt likely spared her life—a sobering reminder of how one safety measure can make all the difference.
The crash also raises concerns about unsupervised access to vehicles. In cases where minors are under the care of guardians or relatives, it’s crucial to ensure secure vehicle storage and clear communication about driving privileges and curfews.
As investigators work to understand the full picture, this tragedy offers a painful but important opportunity for public awareness. Families, educators, and community leaders can help by reinforcing seatbelt use, supervising teen drivers, and fostering open conversations about risk and responsibility behind the wheel.
If your family has experienced a serious crash involving a teen driver, resources are available to help you process what happened and take steps toward healing.
The loss of a young life leaves lasting grief. At Local Accident Reports, we are committed to providing timely information and compassionate support to families and communities affected by tragic accidents. If you need assistance accessing a police report, connecting with local support services, or understanding your next steps after a crash in Cocoa or elsewhere in Brevard County, contact Local Accident Reports today.
