Lake County, FL — On the morning of Sunday, March 30, 2025, a tragic accident on State Road 19 in Lake County, Florida, claimed the lives of Tavia Pew, Kayy Lashay, and Kaneisha Lewis. The accident occurred near Saint Florian Lane, involving a 2024 Jeep Cherokee that failed to navigate a left-hand curve, ultimately resulting in a deadly crash. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has been investigating the cause of the accident, but the heartbreaking loss of life has left the families of the victims and the local community in shock.

The driver of the vehicle, a 30-year-old woman from Mount Dora, was reportedly behind the wheel of the Jeep Cherokee at the time of the crash. As the vehicle approached a curve on State Road 19, the driver lost control of the vehicle, veering off the road. The car struck a pole and flipped over several times, leading to the tragic outcome. Two of the passengers, Tavia Pew and Kayy Lashay, were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third, Kaneisha Lewis, succumbed to her injuries later at the hospital.

This devastating event has left the community grappling with the loss of three young lives, and the surviving passenger, a 26-year-old woman from Eustis, is currently in critical condition at Orlando Regional Medical Center.

The Tragic Events: A Closer Look at the Accident

The tragic accident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, just as the sun was rising over Lake County, which is located in Central Florida. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the Jeep Cherokee was traveling northbound on State Road 19, a well-known highway that runs through rural areas of Lake County. As the vehicle approached the left-hand curve near Saint Florian Lane, the driver appeared to lose control of the vehicle.

Eyewitness reports from nearby residents described a harrowing scene as the vehicle veered off the road at high speed. The Jeep struck a pole before flipping over multiple times. Witnesses said they immediately called 911, fearing the worst for those involved in the crash.

Tavia Pew, Kayy Lashay, and Kaneisha Lewis, the three passengers in the vehicle, were thrown from the car during the violent rollover. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Tavia Pew and Kayy Lashay were pronounced dead at the scene, while Kaneisha Lewis was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Sadly, Kaneisha passed away shortly after arriving at Orlando Regional Medical Center.

The remaining passenger, a 26-year-old woman from Eustis, sustained serious injuries and is still in critical condition at the hospital. The survivor’s identity has not been disclosed to the public at this time.

The Victims: Remembering Tavia Pew, Kayy Lashay, and Kaneisha Lewis

The tragic loss of Tavia Pew, Kayy Lashay, and Kaneisha Lewis has sent shockwaves through the local community, leaving friends, family members, and acquaintances mourning their sudden and untimely deaths.

• Tavia Pew, a 29-year-old woman, was known for her vibrant personality and warm presence. Friends and family described her as someone who always made others feel comfortable and loved. She was deeply committed to her family and friends, and her sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of all who knew her.

• Kayy Lashay, also in her late 20s, was a beloved member of her community. Friends described her as someone with a strong sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She was known for her adventurous spirit and love for travel, making lasting memories with her close-knit group of friends.

• Kaneisha Lewis, the third victim of the crash, was a 24-year-old woman who had a promising future ahead of her. Known for her work ethic, Kaneisha was someone who always put others before herself. She was deeply loved by her family, and her tragic passing has left a significant hole in their lives.

In the wake of this devastating event, friends, family, and the local community have come together to mourn the loss of these three young women. They are remembered for their kindness, laughter, and the positive impact they had on the lives of everyone who knew them.

Investigation and Potential Causes

The Florida Highway Patrol is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including potential contributing factors such as road conditions, speed, and driver impairment. Investigators have yet to release details regarding the exact cause of the crash, but initial reports suggest that the driver failed to control the vehicle as she approached the curve.

• Speeding: The possibility of speeding has been raised, as the accident occurred at a known high-speed curve. Authorities are working to determine whether the driver’s speed played a role in the crash, especially as it appears she failed to make the necessary adjustments to navigate the curve safely.

• Driver Impairment: As is common in many fatal accidents, driver impairment is another potential factor in the investigation. Authorities are awaiting the results of toxicology reports to determine whether alcohol, drugs, or any other substances played a role in the accident.

• Vehicle Condition: Investigators are also looking into the condition of the 2024 Jeep Cherokee to rule out any mechanical failures that may have contributed to the accident. While the vehicle was relatively new, mechanical issues such as tire blowouts or brake failure are still being considered.

• Road Conditions: Road conditions could have also played a role in the accident, although initial reports suggest that the highway was in good condition at the time of the crash. Authorities are examining the area to determine if any roadway defects, such as potholes or obstacles, may have contributed to the driver losing control.

The Aftermath: Community and Family Responses

The families of the victims have been left devastated by this senseless loss. Tavia Pew, Kayy Lashay, and Kaneisha Lewis were all young women with so much ahead of them, and their deaths have left their families struggling to cope with the reality of their absence.

Tavia Pew’s mother, Katherine, spoke to local news outlets about the loss of her daughter, sharing her heartache and expressing her gratitude for the support from the community. “Tavia was my baby. She had so much life in her, and this is just unimaginable. I’m brokenhearted. She deserved so much more,” Katherine said through tears. “I just want everyone to remember her as the bright light she was.”

Family members of Kayy Lashay have similarly expressed their shock and grief, describing her as an incredibly talented young woman who had aspirations to make a difference in the world. Kayy’s father, Chris Lashay, wrote on social media, “She was my pride and joy. This is a nightmare. I miss her every minute of every day.”

Kaneisha Lewis’ family has also spoken out, recalling how Kaneisha had a bright future ahead of her. “She was driven and had so many dreams,” said Kaneisha’s older brother, Marcus Lewis. “She was smart, beautiful, and so full of potential. This is the hardest thing we’ve ever had to face as a family.”

As friends and family come together to mourn, the local community has also rallied to support the families of the victims. A memorial fund has been set up for the families to help cover funeral costs and provide support during this difficult time.

The Broader Implications of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

The tragic death of Tavia Pew, Kayy Lashay, and Kaneisha Lewis has once again drawn attention to the risks associated with road travel, particularly for motorcycle riders and drivers. Fatal motorcycle accidents, while less common than car accidents, continue to account for a significant percentage of traffic fatalities in the United States.

• Statistics: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants. In 2020, there were 5,579 motorcyclist fatalities in the United States, with many of these deaths occurring on rural highways, similar to the location of the fatal crash in Lake County, Florida.

• Helmet Use: Studies show that wearing a helmet is the most effective way to reduce the risk of death in a motorcycle crash. However, a significant number of riders do not always wear helmets, contributing to the high fatality rate. Florida, in particular, has a helmet law that requires riders under the age of 21 to wear helmets, while those over 21 can opt not to wear one if they meet certain conditions, such as having adequate health insurance.

• Preventive Measures: Advocates for motorcycle safety continue to call for stronger regulations and better rider education programs. Improved public awareness campaigns and increased enforcement of speed limits and DUI regulations can play an important role in reducing fatalities.

Looking Forward: A Call for Action and Awareness

In the wake of this devastating accident, there is hope that the tragedy will bring about greater awareness and preventive measures to ensure the safety of all road users, especially motorcycle riders. Families of victims and advocacy groups are working together to push for better traffic safety regulations, including mandatory helmet laws and more stringent drunk driving penalties.

As the investigation continues, the Lake County community is left to grieve, but also to reflect on the importance of traffic safety and the preciousness of life. The memory of Tavia Pew, Kayy Lashay, and Kaneisha Lewis will live on in the hearts of those who loved them, and their story serves as a painful reminder of the risks and dangers that accompany road travel.