Newly released traffic footage is shedding light on the heartbreaking events that unfolded moments before a Florida college student lost her life while driving home from a wedding.
Authorities say 21-year-old Lauryn Akey was traveling on Interstate 75 in Charlotte County during the early morning hours of May 17 when her vehicle was struck by a driver traveling in the wrong direction.
The devastating collision claimed the life of the University of South Florida student, whose family says she was only minutes away from arriving home safely.
Now, investigators have released surveillance footage that appears to show the moments leading up to the crash.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the video shows a vehicle allegedly driven by 53-year-old Dennis Olson making a U-turn before entering traffic in the wrong direction on Interstate 75.
Investigators say the vehicle continued traveling against oncoming traffic before the fatal collision occurred shortly after 1 a.m.
Authorities allege Olson’s vehicle struck Akey’s car, causing catastrophic damage. According to the arrest report, Akey was ejected from her vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Olson was transported to a hospital for treatment before later being taken into custody after investigators completed their initial inquiry.
According to law enforcement documents, Olson allegedly told officers he had attended an event earlier in the evening and consumed alcohol. Investigators also reported that he claimed he had no memory of the crash itself.
Authorities further allege testing revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.222, nearly three times Florida’s legal driving limit.
As the criminal case proceeds, Olson has been charged with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide. Court records indicate he has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The tragedy has resonated deeply throughout Florida and beyond, particularly after family members revealed that Lauryn had sent a text message shortly before the collision.
According to loved ones, the message simply said she loved them and was almost home.
Friends and family continue honoring her memory through the phrase “Live Like Lauryn” and the hashtag #LoveLikeLauryn, encouraging others to embrace life with the same joy, kindness, and adventurous spirit she carried every day.
Those who knew Lauryn describe her as someone who loved spending time outdoors, being on the water, fishing, watching sunsets, and creating memories with family and friends.
After graduating from the University of South Florida, she had hoped to pursue a career in nursing and dedicate her future to helping others.
Today, her family says they want people to remember not only the tragedy that took her life, but the vibrant young woman whose compassion and positivity touched so many people around her.
