Florida Mom Killed and Three Children Injured in Van-Trailer Collision Caused by Tire Blowout
Tragic Memorial Day crash in Florida claims mother's life and injures three children after truck's blowout causes deadly collision.
A tragic accident on Interstate 95 in Florida over Memorial Day weekend claimed the life of a young mother and left her three children injured. The collision occurred near the Pineda Causeway in Brevard County on Monday afternoon, when a Ford F-350 traveling in the center lane suffered a tire blowout. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the resulting loss of control led the truck to collide with a Honda Odyssey van driven by 32-year-old Olivia Maggs.
Both vehicles veered off the road and struck a guardrail during the incident. Maggs was pronounced dead at the scene. Her children—an infant girl and two toddler boys—were quickly airlifted to Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital for treatment. According to a GoFundMe set up by Maggs’ sister-in-law, the baby girl sustained serious injuries, including a broken femur and a brain bleed. The two boys were also hurt but are reportedly in stable condition.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos in the immediate aftermath, but also noted that several bystanders rushed to help. “By the grace of God, kind strangers stopped to help and pulled the children from the vehicle,” Maggs’ sister-in-law recounted online.
The driver of the F-350, a 58-year-old man, and his 20-year-old passenger were uninjured and remained at the scene as investigators arrived and began their inquiry.
Maggs was a respected nurse at Parrish Medical Center, remembered for her dedication and compassion. The hospital shared a heartfelt post mourning her loss, noting that she had worked there for nine years—first in the Medical-Surgical Department and later at the Women’s Center.
"Olivia’s kindness, strength and gentle spirit left a lasting impact on her patients, fellow Care Partners and everyone fortunate enough to know her," read a statement from Parrish Medical Center. "Our hearts are with her family, friends and children during this unimaginable time."
Hundreds of individuals responded on social media to pay tribute. Dozens of women recounted their experiences with Maggs, praising her support during childbirth and her calming presence in stressful moments. “You never forget the name and face of someone who made such a lasting impression on you,” one mother wrote, recalling how Maggs eased her anxieties as a new parent.
By early Wednesday morning, donations to the family’s GoFundMe account surpassed $126,000. The organizer described Maggs as “a kind, beautiful soul—a loving and gentle mother, devoted wife, and cherished daughter, sister, friend, and compassionate nurse.”
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the tire blowout and subsequent crash. No charges have been filed as of yet. The community has rallied around the surviving children and family, offering condolences and financial support as they navigate the difficult days ahead.
