Tragedy on the Road: Mount Dora Crash Claims Three Lives, Leaves One Fighting to Survive

A devastating crash on a winding stretch of road near Mount Dora has shattered families and left a community grieving. Four young lives were thrown from a Jeep that lost control, flipping wildly before coming to a violent halt. The accident, which occurred late at night, has raised painful questions about the circumstances leading up to the tragedy—questions that may never have clear answers.

The victims—Tavia Pew, 26, Kayy Lashay, 24, and Kaneisha Lewis, 27—were all vibrant young women with promising futures ahead of them. Tragically, none survived the accident. The fourth passenger, 26-year-old Mariah Belcher, remains hospitalized, clinging to life as loved ones pray for her recovery.

Authorities report that the driver, a 30-year-old from Mount Dora, missed a curve, sending the Jeep careening off the road. The vehicle struck a pole before rolling multiple times, violently ejecting all four passengers. Devastatingly, none of them were wearing seatbelts. Two victims died instantly upon impact, while the third succumbed to injuries later at the hospital.

Now, the heartbroken families of these women search for answers. Was it excessive speed? Driver fatigue? A treacherous roadway that left no room for error? As the investigation unfolds, one fact is clear: the loss is immeasurable.

In the wake of this horrific event, the communities of Eustis and Mount Dora have come together in mourning. Friends, family, and even strangers have gathered for vigils, offering support and condolences. Social media has become a space for remembrance, with loved ones sharing heartfelt tributes and memories of the young women who lost their lives too soon.

As the community grieves, safety advocates continue to stress the importance of seatbelt use, reminding all drivers and passengers that wearing a seatbelt could mean the difference between life and death. For now, the focus remains on honoring the lives lost and supporting the families left behind to navigate this unimaginable sorrow.

Our thoughts are with the victims’ families, and we stand with them as they seek healing and justice in the face of such a heartbreaking tragedy.