Florida Man Charged After Letting 15-Year-Old Son Drive — Crash Kills Grandmother and Three Children
POINCIANA, FLORIDA — A Florida man is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly allowing his unlicensed 15-year-old son to drive, resulting in a devastating crash that killed four family members — a grandmother and her three young grandchildren.
According to investigators, 68-year-old Richard Ferguson, of Poinciana, permitted his teenage son to take the wheel of his SUV on a residential road with a posted speed limit of 30 mph. Authorities say the teen accelerated to over 80 mph, ignored a stop sign, and collided with another vehicle at a nearby intersection.
The force of the impact caused the SUV to spin out of control and crash into a light pole, killing all four passengers instantly — a grandmother and her grandchildren, aged 1, 9, and 11.
Police Describe the Scene as “Catastrophic”
Officials from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office described the crash as one of the most violent they have seen in years. Deputies said the wreckage was so severe that first responders had to use heavy equipment to access the victims trapped inside the mangled vehicle.
“The vehicle was traveling at a rate of speed that left virtually no chance for survival,” a sheriff’s spokesperson said. “This tragedy could have been completely avoided.”
Investigators say Ferguson’s decision to let his son drive, despite knowing the teen had no driver’s license, was reckless and unlawful. He now faces multiple felony charges, including culpable negligence resulting in death and allowing an unlicensed minor to operate a motor vehicle.
Community in Shock After Fatal Crash
Residents of the Poinciana community expressed grief and disbelief as news of the fatal crash spread. The victims’ family members, who lived in the same neighborhood, are reportedly devastated.
“This is something no family should ever have to endure,” one neighbor told local reporters. “Four lives gone in an instant because of one irresponsible decision.”
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims, pending notification of extended family.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The case remains under investigation as detectives work to reconstruct the crash and determine additional contributing factors. Investigators are also reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and traffic cameras to piece together the teen’s driving route.
Officials say Ferguson could face additional charges depending on the findings of the ongoing investigation. The 15-year-old boy, who survived the crash, may also face juvenile charges.
“This incident is a heartbreaking reminder that driving without a license and at dangerous speeds is not only illegal — it’s deadly,” police emphasized.
Ferguson remains in custody as of Saturday and is expected to appear in court for a bond hearing early next week.
