Brevard County, FL – A 20-year-old woman was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 95 early Monday morning.
Cassi Taylor, a Civilian Corrections Assistant, was involved in the incident which occurred shortly before midnight on Sunday. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), a Mercedes-Benz struck an alligator on the highway, prompting Taylor, driving a Toyota Tacoma, to swerve in an attempt to avoid collision.
Taylor lost control of her vehicle, overturned, and was ejected onto the road where she was struck by an unidentified vehicle that subsequently fled the scene. Authorities confirmed 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, remained at the scene and was unharmed, as reported by WPEC.
The Indian River County Sheriff's Office expressed condolences in a social media post, noting Taylor had joined the agency just a few weeks prior and was scheduled for official swearing-in on Monday. She is the daughter of Deputy Scott Burke, who serves in the community.
An investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking information about the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run. Witnesses or anyone with pertinent details are encouraged to contact FHP or Central Florida Crimeline.