A tragic incident that occurred in September 2023 has resurfaced, leading to new charges against the father of a teenage boy involved in a fatal car accident. The crash resulted in the loss of four lives: a grandmother and her three grandchildren. According to court documents, the father allowed his unlicensed 15-year-old son to drive with friends, contributing to the devastating outcome. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has also charged the teenager with vehicular homicide. This case highlights the severe consequences of parental negligence and underage driving.

Tragedy Unfolds at a Deadly Intersection

The events unfolded on a Sunday afternoon in Poinciana, Florida, when a Chevrolet Impala, driven by an underage driver, failed to stop at a stop sign. The vehicle collided with a Honda HR-V, causing it to spin out of control and hit a light pole. Inside the Honda were four victims who lost their lives: Trinidad Hernandez and her three grandchildren, aged 1, 9, and 11. The impact was catastrophic, leaving a community in mourning and raising questions about responsibility and oversight.

In the aftermath, Sabrina Hernandez, the mother of the children, expressed her profound grief during a candlelight memorial. "I’m dying inside," she said. "I don’t get to see my children anymore, I don’t get to see my mother anymore." Her words resonated deeply, highlighting the personal toll of this tragedy. The intersection where the accident occurred became a symbol of loss, as the family's future was irrevocably altered in a matter of seconds.

Father Faces Manslaughter Charges for Enabling Underage Driving

A year after the incident, Richard Seymour Ferguson, 68, the father of the teenage driver, has been arrested on four counts of vehicular manslaughter. Court documents reveal that Ferguson knowingly assisted his son by moving a vehicle blocking the driveway, allowing the teenager to take the wheel. He also permitted three other minors to ride along, despite knowing his son lacked a valid driver’s license. This decision had dire consequences, leading to the tragic loss of life.

Ferguson's bond was set at $60,000, with $15,000 per charge. The arrest warrant underscores the gravity of his actions and the legal ramifications of enabling underage driving. Meanwhile, the teenager remains under investigation, with an arrest warrant issued for him as well. Authorities plan to charge him with multiple counts of vehicular homicide. The case raises important questions about parental responsibility and the need for stricter oversight to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.