WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The only survivor in a tragic crash that killed nine people, including six children, last week near Belle Glade has been released from St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach.
WPTV reporter Michael Hoffman learned that the crash survivor, Jorden Hall, 26, is walking, talking and healing from the tragedy.
Hall's family said they are taking it one step at a time, letting him recover physically so he can also try to recover mentally.
Ten people were inside a 2023 Ford Explorer, driven by Pamela Wiggins, 56, going westbound on Hatton Highway, just before 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 5. The vehicle lost control and the Explorer drove off the road, slammed into a guardrail, then flipped over and landed in a canal.
In addition to Wiggins, the deceased were identified as Leiana Alyse Hall, 30, Anyia Monique Lee Tucker, 21, as well as six children, ages 14, 8, two 5-year-olds, a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' website, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children.
"In 2022, there were 85 child passenger fatalities due to vehicle crashes," the department said on its website. "Of these fatalities, almost 50 percent were not wearing any type of restraint."
A GoFundMe account has been set up to raise money for funeral expenses. Click here to donate.
Click below for more on WPTV's coverage of this story:
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'This is an enormous logistical challenge': Working to get 9 crash victims home
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NTSB provides update on fatal crash on Hatton Highway
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'It's heart breaking:' Highway where crash happened is dangerous, community says
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None of 9 killed in SUV wreck were using 'Safety Equipment.' What is the law?
Region C Palm Beach County
