Orlando, FL (May 25, 2026) – A 23-year-old man from Mililani, Hawaii, was killed early Monday morning when the vehicle he was driving left State Road 528, struck a light pole and multiple trees, and overturned. The wreck occurred around 4:37 a.m. near the exit for the Epic Universe theme park in Orange County and the road was shut down following the collision.
A 20-year-old male passenger from Willow Street, Pennsylvania, was hurt in the accident. His injuries were described as minor.
No further names were included in the initial report on the crash. The cause of the accident has not yet been established, and the inquiry into what led the vehicle off the roadway continues. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the young man who lost his life.
What Happens When a Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash Closes a Florida Highway?
When a single vehicle leaves a roadway and strikes fixed objects like poles or trees, the aftermath typically requires a full closure of the affected stretch while crews document the scene and clear debris. On high-speed roads like State Road 528, these closures can last several hours.
Fatal single-vehicle crashes are among the most carefully reviewed by investigators. Factors such as road geometry, tire condition, vehicle speed, driver fatigue, and possible impairment all come under scrutiny. In Florida, crashes occurring in the early morning hours, between midnight and 6 a.m., account for a disproportionate share of fatal single-vehicle collisions, largely due to reduced visibility and driver fatigue. When a passenger is also present, their account can be a key source of early information.