WINTER GARDEN, Orange County, Fla., Oct. 24, 2026 — An 18-year-old Apopka man died Friday afternoon, October 23, in a four-vehicle crash on State Road 429 in Winter Garden. Six other people were taken to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The Florida Highway Patrol said four vehicles, a Jeep Cherokee, a Hyundai Sonata, a Kia Sportage and a Chevrolet Camaro, were all heading south on State Road 429 north of Plant Street. The Sonata was traveling ahead of the Jeep, with the Camaro behind the Jeep in the inside center lane.
Troopers said the Jeep's driver, a 60-year-old Orlando man, could not avoid the Sonata and struck its rear with the front left of his vehicle. The Sonata was then pushed into the path of the Camaro, whose front end struck the Sonata's rear, the report states. Separately, the Kia Sportage, driving in the outside lane, hit debris from the Sonata and Jeep.
The Sonata's driver, an 18-year-old Apopka woman, along with two teenage passengers, a 16-year-old Ocoee girl and a 14-year-old Apopka girl, were hospitalized at Orlando Regional Medical Center. The Jeep's driver, the Camaro's 36-year-old Reunion driver and his 37-year-old Orlando passenger were also taken there with injuries. The Kia's 59-year-old Orlando driver was not hurt and stayed at the scene. An 18-year-old Apopka man riding in the Sonata was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died, and we wish those injured a full recovery.
More on Crashes in Winter Garden, FL
This fatal crash happened on State Road in Winter Garden, FL. We cover crashes across Orange County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Orange County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors make a crash more likely to be fatal? Speed, the number of vehicles involved, and where occupants sit relative to the point of impact all play a role. Chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles often raise the risk because of repeated impacts.
How does speed affect crash survivability? Higher speeds mean more force at impact and less time for drivers to react or stop, which raises the chance of serious or fatal injury even in vehicles with modern safety features.
Why does seat belt use matter so much? A seat belt keeps an occupant from being thrown inside or outside the vehicle during impact, which lowers the risk of severe head, chest and spinal injuries.
What should families do after a fatal crash? Families can request the official crash report from the investigating agency, contact the medical examiner's office with questions, and keep records of any communication with insurers.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Winter Garden, FL
Anyone involved in a multi-vehicle crash should move to a safe spot if possible and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries from pileups don't show symptoms immediately. Take photos of the scene and vehicle positions if you're able, and get contact and insurance information from everyone involved. Ask responding troopers how to obtain a copy of the official crash report once it's finalized, since that document is often needed for insurance claims. Give yourself time to process what happened. A crash involving several vehicles can be disorienting, and it's normal to need support afterward.
