Brevard County, FL— A 20-year-old woman was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 95 early Monday morning, according to authorities.
Cassi Taylor of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office was involved in the incident shortly before midnight on Sunday, when a Mercedes-Benz struck an alligator on the highway. Taylor was driving a Toyota Tacoma and swerved to avoid the disabled vehicle, losing control and overturning, officials said. She was ejected from her truck and subsequently struck by an unidentified vehicle that fled the scene.
Witnesses and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) confirmed that Taylor was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The driver of the Mercedes, a 58-year-old man from Canada, was unharmed and remained at the scene.
Authorities stated that Taylor was scheduled to be officially sworn into her position on the day of her death. The sheriff's office expressed condolences, mentioning her connection to Deputy Scott Burke, her father.
An ongoing investigation is focused on finding the driver involved in the hit-and-run. Anyone with information is urged to contact FHP or Central Florida Crimeline.