Miami Beach, Florida — A tragic hit-and-run crash in North Beach has left two young tourists dead after police say a driver sped through intersections and struck them while they were crossing the street.
Authorities have charged 42-year-old Adan Negron-Morris of Lakeland with multiple offenses following the deadly incident that occurred Wednesday night.
The victims, identified as Sarisa Kongduang, 22, and Greatgomon Laowatdhanasapya, 24, were visiting from Indiana when they were fatally struck.
“Two young, innocent lives were taken,” a police spokesperson said following the crash.
Crash happened while victims crossed busy street
According to investigators, the victims were crossing Collins Avenue at 73rd Street just after 9:05 p.m. when they were hit.
Police say the driver was:
- Speeding
- Driving without headlights
- Ignoring traffic signals
The impact was severe.
“Both pedestrians were launched into the air and suffered serious injuries,” the police report states.
Emergency responders transported both victims to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.
Suspect allegedly fled before being caught by witness
Authorities say Negron-Morris did not stop after the crash.
Instead, he continued driving until his 2013 Nissan Sentra became disabled near 74th Street.
Police say he then ran into a nearby Walgreens, but a witness followed him inside and held him until officers arrived.
“A witness chased the suspect into the store and detained him for police.”
Earlier crash and police pursuit reported
Investigators revealed that the suspect had been involved in another hit-and-run just minutes earlier near 71st Street and Bay Drive.
An officer reportedly attempted to pursue the vehicle but lost sight of it shortly before the fatal crash occurred.
This sequence of events has raised additional concerns about the suspect’s actions leading up to the incident.
Driver allegedly admitted intent to harm himself
According to police, Negron-Morris made a troubling statement after being taken into custody.
Officials said he told investigators he “wanted to kill himself,” and then closed his eyes while accelerating.
“Unfortunately, he didn’t kill himself. He killed two innocent people,” police said.
Authorities also believe the suspect may have been under the influence of a narcotic substance, though toxicology results are still pending.
Surveillance video shows reckless driving
Police said surveillance footage captured the suspect driving dangerously before the crash.
According to investigators, the video shows him:
- Running red lights at multiple intersections
- Driving at high speed
- Nearly causing additional collisions
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The conditions were also described as wet and slippery, further increasing the risk.
Charges filed as investigation continues
Negron-Morris has been charged with:
- Two counts of reckless vehicular homicide
- Two counts of leaving the scene of a crash causing death
He is currently being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, including a DUI inquiry as blood test results are analyzed.
“Police are continuing to gather evidence as the case moves forward.”
The incident has left a community in shock as families mourn the loss of two young visitors whose lives were cut short.
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