A college student killed in a horror wrong-way crash sent her family a heartbreaking final text saying she was “almost home” moments before she died.
Lauryn Akey, 21, had been driving back from a friend’s wedding in the early hours of 17 May when prosecutors say Dennis Olson, 53, veered his Ford F-150 into oncoming traffic on Interstate 75.
The University of South Florida student was killed in a devastating head-on collision shortly after 1am after her Honda CR-V was struck by the pickup truck, investigators said.
READ MORE: Hikers rescued after 330ft plunge down cliff in Romania
Lauryn died at the scene after being ejected from the vehicle.
Authorities allege Olson had a blood alcohol level of 0.222 – nearly three times the legal limit – after reportedly spending the evening at a “Sip & Sizzle” event.
Despite this, Olson allegedly claimed he had only consumed one glass of wine and told troopers he had been having a “bad night”.
In tragic details shared by Lauryn’s family, the 21-year-old had stopped for petrol shortly before the crash and sent loved ones a final message saying she loved them and would be home soon, as reported by Need To Know.
A judge has since denied Olson bond as he faces charges including DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
Prosecutors argued he posed a danger to the public, pointing to a previous drink-driving conviction in Minnesota that also involved him allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road.
Police say Olson had already sideswiped another car carrying a woman and two children before crashing into Lauryn’s vehicle.
One of the children reportedly needed surgery following the collision.
Investigators also released footage that allegedly shows Olson making an illegal U-turn moments before the fatal crash.
Lauryn’s devastated family said the aspiring nurse had been due to graduate next year with a degree in exercise science and dreamed of helping others through a career in healthcare.
Loved ones have since launched the hashtag #LoveLikeLauryn in tribute to her “bright personality” and “loving heart”.
The fatal crash happened in Charlotte County, Florida, as Lauryn was returning home from the wedding celebration.
READ MORE: Plane packed with influencers makes emergency landing after ’windshield comes loose’
