published: Tuesday, August 07, 2012

One dies, one fighting for life after Sunday crashes

News-Sun staff

Two young women -- one 18 and the other 21 -- were in separate traffic accidents Sunday. One died, while the other is fighting to beat extremely long odds.

The first accident happened at 8:54 a.m.  in Lorida. Genny Lynn Thompson, 21, of Lorida died when she drove into the path of an oncoming vehicle at County Road 721 and U.S. 98.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Thompson was northbound on C.R. 721 when she stopped at the stop sign at U.S. 98. She attempted to turn west on U.S. 98, but pulled in front of a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica driven by William Franklin Goble, 78, of Sebring, which was headed east on U.S. 98.

Goble's vehicle hit Thomspson's on the left side. Thompson died at the scene.

Thompson was not wearing a seat belt. The crash was not alcohol related.

William Goble, Maria Goble, 84, and Aleida M. Oliveros, 66, were all transported to Highlands Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.

Sunday night, 18-year-old Miranda Ming was driving a 2002 Jeep Liberty south on Orange Blossom Boulevard south of Sebring at 11:15 p.m. when, for an unknown reason, she drove off the road on the west shoulder and hit a mailbox.

Ming then crossed to the other side of the road, the FHP reported, and traveled about 100 feet on the east shoulder. Ming over-corrected, going back to the other side of the road and going another 100 feet before her Jeep overturned on the driver's side and ejected Ming, who was not wearing a seat belt. Alcohol was not a factor in the crash, the FHP reported.

Ming was airlifted to Longwood Medical Center in Ft. Pierce in critical condition. On Tuesday at 2:44 p.m.  FHP was advised Ming expired at Longwood Medical Center as a result of her injuries and that she was transferred to the University of Miami Hospital.  On Wednesday  at 4:45 p.m. the University of Miami Hospital advised Ming was listed in critical condition.

As of Thursday, Ming was still in critical condition, according to Facebook posts from family members.