St Thomas Aquinas Tragic Death, Obituary – A devastating accident in Pompano Beach on Friday night has resulted in the death of a 16-year-old student from St. Thomas Aquinas High School, while several of his classmates remain hospitalized. The tragic incident occurred just before 8 p.m. on West Copans Road near Leisure Boulevard, prompting a thorough investigation by the Broward Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit.
According to preliminary reports, the fatal crash involved a 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 driven by the teenage boy, who was traveling westbound on West Copans Road. At the same time, an 82-year-old man was driving a 2021 Toyota Sienna southbound on Leisure Boulevard. The Toyota made a left turn and collided with the Mercedes, causing the teenager to lose control.
The Mercedes then rolled onto its roof and slid across the roadway into the path of eastbound traffic, striking a 2015 Lexus RX 350. Additionally, a 2021 Toyota RAV4 traveling eastbound was struck by debris from the crash.
Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, with deputies initiating life-saving measures before Pompano Beach Fire Rescue took over. The teenage driver was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The Mercedes carried four passengers — a 17-year-old female and three 17-year-old males — all of whom survived but were hospitalized. Their identities are being protected under Marsy’s Law.
Neither the elderly Toyota driver nor the RAV4 driver reported injuries, and both cooperated fully with investigators. Authorities have withheld additional details about the adult drivers under privacy protections.
Detectives suspect excessive speed may have played a role in this tragic accident, though the investigation remains ongoing. The community and the school are mourning the loss of a promising young life and praying for the recovery of the injured students.
St. Thomas Aquinas High School has yet to release the name of the deceased student, respecting the family’s privacy during this difficult time.