Pragathi Reddy Velivarthi, Sunitha Purumandla Obituary, Death: Orlando family members killed in wrong-way crash identified by FHP.
Pragathi Reddy Velivarthi, Sunitha Purumandla Obituary, Death – Authorities have confirmed the identities of the three family members who tragically lost their lives in a wrong-way crash on a rural Osceola County road on Sunday.
The victims, identified as Pragathi Reddy Velivarthi, 34, Sunitha Purumandla, 56, and Harveen Purumandla, 5, were traveling back home to Orlando in a Toyota RAV4 when their vehicle was struck head-on by a Ford F-150. The collision occurred just before 3 p.m. when the pickup truck, driven by a 30-year-old man from Jensen Beach, was traveling south in the northbound lanes.
Investigation into the Cause of the Crash
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers are still trying to determine why the driver of the Ford F-150 was in the wrong lane at the time of the crash.
FHP Trooper Migdalisis Garcia stated that initial witness reports suggest the driver may have been attempting to pass other vehicles. However, he failed to merge back into the correct lane before colliding with the RAV4.
“We’re trying to figure out exactly why he was traveling the wrong way,” Garcia explained. “We do have witnesses that saw he was possibly passing traffic, however, he never merged back onto the correct lane.”
Possible Charges Pending Investigation
As of now, the driver has not been arrested or charged, but authorities are continuing their investigation. Depending on their findings, he could face charges such as vehicular manslaughter or traffic homicide.
“It can be either vehicular manslaughter or traffic homicide,” Garcia said. “Unfortunately, you will have to face charges, whether it’s your license being suspended or jail time, depending on what the cause actually is.”
She also stressed that drivers attempting to pass other vehicles must take responsibility for ensuring they do so safely and not put other drivers at risk.
“It is still your responsibility to make sure you’re doing it responsibly,” Garcia added. “You’re making sure that traffic that is now opposing you is clear and you’re not driving into their right of way.”
Community in Mourning
The tragic loss of the three family members has left the community in shock. The family of the victims has chosen not to speak publicly at this time, as they grieve their devastating loss.
This accident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and improper passing maneuvers. While the investigation continues, FHP urges all drivers to exercise caution, especially on rural roads where passing zones are limited.
The case remains open as authorities gather further evidence.
