Jayden Vico dies in fatal Pompano Beach car crash
Fatal Pompano Beach car crash death of Richie Grable
A tragic two-fatality motor vehicle collision unfolded Friday evening on East Copans Road in Pompano Beach, leaving three adolescents and several others enduring grave injuries, local law enforcement officials reported Monday. The incident, initially reported on June 21st, claimed the lives of two teenagers who were occupants of a vehicle that overturned in a multi-vehicle pileup.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, a 16-year-old male, later identified as Jayden Vico of Fort Lauderdale, was operating the vehicle—a 2019 Mercedes Benz CLA 250—just before 8 p.m. He was transporting four passengers: three 17-year-old males and one 17-year-old female. The students, all enrolled at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, were involved in the devastating event.
The collision transpired when Jayden Vico approached the intersection of East Copans Road and Leisure Boulevard. Simultaneously, an 82-year-old driver, operating a 2021 Toyota Sienna, executed a left turn onto East Copans Road. This maneuver resulted in a direct impact with the Mercedes, causing it to flip onto its roof. The vehicle subsequently slid into oncoming traffic and collided with a 2015 Lexus RX 350. Additionally, debris from the initial Mercedes impacted a 2021 Toyota RAV4.
All occupants of the Mercedes and the driver of the Lexus were transported to medical facilities. The occupants of the Toyota Sienna and RAV4 sustained no injuries. Jayden Vico succumbed to his injuries at the crash scene. His funeral arrangements were being coordinated by family members.
A GoFundMe campaign initiated by a family acquaintance was established to support Jayden’s family and honor his memory. Tragically, another passenger, identified as Richie Grable through a separate fundraising effort organized by a friend, passed away later on Sunday night. The surviving teenagers and their companion are currently receiving extensive medical care following their severe injuries. Fundraising efforts continue for their recovery.
Sheriff’s deputies investigating the incident indicated preliminary findings suggested speeding might have been a contributing factor in the catastrophic collision. Further details regarding the investigation were not immediately available.
Jayden Vico, a resident of Fort Lauderdale, was a student at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. His untimely demise sent shockwaves through the educational community, prompting the school to hold an urgent prayer vigil for the victims and their families.
The second fatality, Richie Grable, was also identified through official channels. Both fatalities highlight the profound impact of this dangerous intersection crash.
The significant injuries suffered by the remaining teenagers include critical internal bleeding, fractures, and neurological trauma requiring immediate and ongoing medical intervention. Community members have rallied, offering support and launching fundraising campaigns to assist the families.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the collision to determine the precise cause and contributing factors, emphasizing the importance of road safety and responsible driving.
