Women, 20, about to be sworn in as cop killed in freak ‘alligator accident’
Cassi Taylor was driving down a motorway the day before she was due to be sworn in as a correctional officer, when she was forced to swerve her pick up truck to avoid a pileup
Cassi Taylor lost her life earlier this week(Image: Indian River County Sheriff’s Office)
A police officer’s daughter was killed in a freak road accident involving an alligator just days before she was set to follow in her dad’s footsteps and become a cop herself.
Cassi Taylor, 20, died on August 30 in Titusville, Florida, after her pick up truck overturned while she attempted to swerve to avoid a pileup. She had been travelling behind a 58-year-old Canadian man who was driving a Mercedes-Benz E-350, local media reports.
The Canadian man suddenly hit an alligator on the road, crashing into it and killing it instantly. Taylor attempted to avoid the Mercedes but lost control of her vehicle.
Taylor with her dad, Scott Burke, who is an Indian River County Sheriff’s Office deputy(Image: GoFundMe)
Investigators said she was not wearing a seatbelt and was sent hurtling out of the driver’s seat and onto the motorway. A third vehicle then struck her before driving off without stopping to get out. Taylor was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police are still looking to trace the driver of the third vehicle which hit Taylor and left her for dead.
Taylor, whose stepfather was Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Burke, was due to be sworn in as a correctional officer the very next day.
The southbound highway in Titusville
An Indian River County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said: “We are saddened to share the news of the death of one of our newest team members.”
A GoFundMe to cover Taylor’s cremation and funeral expenses read: “Cassi was an amazing young lady with a heart of pure gold who will dearly be missed.
“Please continue to pray for our families and friends affected by this unimaginable tragedy as we navigate this unexpected path in life without our precious Cassi.”
Collisions with alligators are generally rare but the likelihood increases between July and September, which is the animal’s mating season.
Taylor’s family are hosting a “Celebration of Life” event in her honour next month, with the fundraiser passing well over £11,000.
