In a heartbreaking turn of events, Collin Pierce’s recent joy has been overshadowed by tragedy. Just days after getting engaged to Christina Maria Richards, the couple’s celebration took a devastating turn. The pair had traveled from Columbus, Ohio, to Tampa, Florida, with friends to mark their engagement, but their trip ended in tragedy early Friday morning.
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 12:47 a.m. at the intersection of East 7th Avenue and North 15th Street. A silver Toyota Camry, driven by 21-year-old Silas Kenneth Sampson, lost control and crashed into the sidewalk outside popular local restaurants. The crash resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including Richards, who was just 25 years old.
Richards was among those killed in the crash, along with Lisa Sherell Johnson, 40, of Winter Haven; Sherman Jones, 53, of Tampa; and Marlon Anthony Collins, 52, of Bartow. The tragedy also left at least 13 others injured, some critically, in its wake.
The community and the families affected are mourning the devastating loss, but for Richards’ family, the grief has been compounded by additional distress. Pierce and Richards’ loved ones have expressed frustration and heartbreak over their inability to retrieve Richards’ personal belongings from authorities, a situation that has added to their suffering during this difficult time.
As Tampa mourns the loss of these lives, questions remain about how such a tragedy could occur and what measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. For now, the focus remains on remembering those lost and supporting the loved ones left behind to grieve.
