PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL – A 31-year-old nurse has been arrested and charged with three counts of vehicular homicide following a devastating November 2024 crash that claimed the lives of three on-duty law enforcement officers.
The Charges and Incident
The Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office announced the arrest of Corrinne Blue on April 30. The charges stem from an incident on November 21, 2024, when Blue’s 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee struck three officers parked along State Road 80.
The fallen heroes have been identified as:
- Corporal Luis Paez Jr.
- Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz
- Deputy Ralph “Butch” Waller
The officers were on their motorcycles, waiting for roadside assistance for a disabled vehicle, when the collision occurred around 9:15 a.m.
Fatigue and “Brain Fog” Investigation
According to warrant affidavits, investigators focused on Blue’s physical state leading up to the crash. Data revealed Blue had been awake for approximately 18 of the 24 hours preceding the accident, having just finished a high-stress 12-hour shift in an emergency room.
A human factors expert suggested that “postprandial fatigue”—often described as “brain fog”—might have played a role. Blue had stopped at a McDonald’s roughly 25 minutes before the crash. Experts noted that the high-calorie meal, combined with work-related exhaustion, could have caused significant cognitive impairment.
Evidence and Statements
While a witness described Blue as appearing “extremely tired,” Blue told investigators she did not feel rushed or fatigued. Toxicology reports confirmed there were no drugs or alcohol in her system at the time of the crash. Additionally, cell phone records showed no signs of distracted driving.
Blue stated she was following GPS on an unfamiliar route and struck the officers while attempting to pass a slower vehicle.
Community Mourning
State Attorney Alexcia Cox and Florida officials have praised the three fallen deputies as heroes. “We recognize the pain and loss their families and the community at large have experienced,” said Dave Kerner, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
