Over the weekend, a family gathered to celebrate the 80th birthday of their beloved matriarch with a disco-themed party in South Florida. Sadly, the celebration turned into tragedy when the SUV carrying 10 family members veered off a country road and into a canal, resulting in the deaths of 9 people, including six children. The family had come from different parts of the country to honor Patricia Edwards at the party where she was dressed in tie-dye bell bottoms and peace sign jewelry as documented on social media.
One of the party attendees, Pamela Wiggins, who was driving the SUV, expressed gratitude for the family’s presence at the celebration on Facebook. However, a few hours after her post, the vehicle veered off the road near Belle Glade, causing the fatal accident. The crash claimed the lives of Wiggins and eight other family members, with one survivor in serious condition.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, deeming it a catastrophic event. The area where the accident occurred is surrounded by man-made canals from the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee network, known for its history of tragic incidents involving vehicles plunging into the water.
The investigation found that Wiggins lost control of the SUV on a rural road, common in the area, where drivers often experience “highway hypnosis” due to long, straight stretches of road that suddenly curve, catching them off guard. The landscape in this part of Palm Beach County is dominated by agriculture, with sugarcane fields and canals lining the highways.
The crash has deeply impacted the loved ones of the victims, who were recently celebrating a joyous family occasion. The tragedy highlights the dangers of rural highways and serves as a reminder of the risks associated with driving in such environments.
