Bonifay, FL (August 17, 2026) – A two-vehicle crash near the Alabama border claimed the life of a 12-year-old girl from Chicago on Saturday afternoon, August 15, at about 1:30 p.m. The collision occurred at State Highway 81 and Holmes County Road 185, leaving four others injured.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a pickup truck traveling from Alabama ran a stop sign and struck an SUV carrying the girl. The girl was pronounced dead at the scene. Two adults in the SUV suffered serious injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital. The 16-year-old pickup driver from Geneva, Alabama, was also seriously injured, while a 16-year-old passenger from Bemern, Alabama, suffered minor injuries.
The names of those involved have not been released. The fatal collision remains under investigation.
Our deepest condolences go out to the young victim’s family and loved ones.
What Can Happen When a Vehicle Runs a Stop Sign?
A vehicle entering an intersection after failing to stop can create a serious risk for traffic with the right of way. The resulting impact may be severe, particularly when vehicles reach the intersection at different speeds or collide from the side or front.
Crash reviews may examine traffic signs, roadway markings, vehicle damage, and the final positions of the vehicles. Witness statements and available video footage can also help establish vehicle movements before impact. Investigators may review these details alongside medical records and other physical evidence to develop a clearer account of the collision.
