DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (AP/WSVN) — A teenager believed to have been driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol crashed into another vehicle at “a high rate of speed,” killing six people in Palm Beach County, authorities said.
However, the teen’s father said his son was not under the influence at the time of the crash.
The 17-year-old driver suffered minor injuries in the crash late Thursday near Delray Beach, according to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s incident report.
The teenager, who is from nearby Wellington, was driving a 2019 BMW northbound along State Road 7 when he crashed into a Nissan Rogue carrying six people, at around 11 p.m.
The impact caused the Nissan flip over in the median and roll several times until it landed upside down, the report said.
His father said, “He’s crushed. He’s just devastated, as we all are.”
Sheriff’s officials said five people in the Nissan died at the scene, and the sixth died a short time later at a hospital.
Officials identified five of the victims as follows: the driver, 44-year-old Mirlaine I. Julceus of West Palm Beach, 52-year-old Remize Michel of Palm Springs, Marie M. Louis of Wellington, 45-year-old Filaine Dieu of Lake Worth Beach and 28-year-old Vanice Percina of West Palm Beach. The name of sixth victim has yet to be disclosed pending notification of next of kin.
The teen’s father said his son was at home until he left to see a friend shortly before the crash. He said the teen was not drinking.
“It’s inaccurate. The blood tests that were done last night show no alcohol,” said the father.
The teen is currently at home under medical care. It remains unclear whether or not he will face any charges.
An investigation is continuing.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.