Few things in life could be sadder than the unexpected death of a young person who is in the prime of their life. Unfortunately, this kind of thing does happen in Ocala and all throughout the country. A recent car accident is a prime example of this kind of tragic event.
Star track and field athlete, Torrin Lawrence, died in a car accident on July 28. Lawrence was driving on Interstate 75 on his way home to Florida from a visit to Georgia, where he had been training. At about 1:40 a.m., one of his tires deflated and Lawrence stopped and got out of his car to make a phone call. Shortly thereafter, a big rig truck collided with his car, which then hit and killed Lawrence.
Just two months ago, Lawrence represented the United States in a relay race in the Bahamas. His four-man team brought home the gold medal. A few years ago, he had also won an NCAA running title for the University of Georgia, where he graduated from in 2013. Lawrence was only 25-years-old at the time of his death.
It is always disheartening when anyone suffers serious injury or death in a car accident. But it is especially gut-wrenching when someone like Lawrence, who had such a promising life ahead of him, inexplicably dies in the blink of an eye.
The details of this incident are not yet clear and it is unknown whether the truck driver could have done anything to prevent the horrific accident. In many other cases, however, a driver’s negligent act is the cause of a vehicle accident and the resulting injuries.
Anyone who is the victim of a negligent driver has legal rights to seek compensation for their damages. In addition, family members of deceased accident victims can also pursue legal action against the negligent party.
Source: News Tribune, “Former Georgia runner dies in car accident,” July 28, 2014
