WEST BROWARD, FLA. (WSVN) - An off-duty Miccosukee Police officer and another driver were killed in a wrong-way crash along Alligator Alley in West Broward.
Florida Highway Patrol responded to the scene along the eastbound lanes of Interstate 75, right before exit 27, around 4:55 a.m., Saturday.
“One of the vehicles was going the wrong way,” said FHP Lt. Al Feola.
Early stages of the investigation suggests 32-year-old Curtis Woolwine II was going west in the eastbound lanes when his 2016 Chevrolet collided with a 2016 Dodge Charger.
Woolwine was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials said Miccosukee Police Officer Steven Greco, who had just gotten off work, was behind the wheel of the Charger.
Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue crews airlifted Greco to Broward Health Medical Center.
“They did everything they could on scene. He was transported to the hospital, and unfortunately he died,” said Feola.
Sal Greco, the officer’s nephew, said his uncle was loved by his family and friends. He was 40 years old.
“Family was extremely important to him. I mean, I know Steven, and he really taught me a lot about that,” said Sal Greco during a phone interview.
The grieving nephew said Greco had a talent for spreading joy through music.
“The gift he gave to me that matters the most was music. He gave me my first guitar when I was 14 years old,” he said. “I haven’t put it down since,”
Greco leaves behind a pregnant wife who was expecting the couple’s first child.
“I know he has really high morals and high principles,” said Sal Greco. “I know that’s something that he would have absolutely wanted to pass on to his child, for sure.”
Debris from the head-on collision scattered among multiple lanes, causing traffic west of U.S. 27 to be diverted for hours while crews worked to clear the scene.
Miccosukee Police released a statement on the fallen officer that reads in part, “One of our young police officers lost his life in a tragic car accident. At this time the Tribe is providing support and assistance to the fallen officer’s family.”
“The nice thing to know is how much family is flying into town, all making arrangements to do that this week to be with each other,” said Sal Greco, “and then for this baby that’s about to be born, they’re gonna be going to a very loving family full of tons and tons of support.”
No other cars were involved.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Greco’s family set up a GoFundMe page to help cover expenses. To help out, click here.
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