ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – An Orange County high schooler killed in a fatal crash last year was “under the influence” at the time of the crash, according to an investigative report released on Friday.
The high schooler — 18-year-old Nick Miner — was driving a truck to tow a vehicle stuck on the shoulder along Dallas Boulevard on the night of Oct. 23, 2022.
During this time, another driver — a 27-year-old Orlando woman — on Dallas Boulevard didn’t notice the stopped vehicles, and she ended up crashing into the truck.
This caused the truck to overturn and strike two nearby pedestrians, a crash report at the time read. Miner was ejected from the truck after the collision and suffered fatal injuries.
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Miner, the star quarterback at East River High School, was mourned by family and classmates alike following the crash.
However, Friday’s report reveals new details about the investigation.
HERE’S WHAT THE REPORT SHOWS
According to the report, Miner was under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the crash.
In addition, he wasn’t using his seat belt, which caused him to be ejected when the truck began to turn over, the report states.
Investigators also said Miner’s truck was facing sideways in the road and not clearly visible to oncoming traffic, meaning other drivers — like the Orlando woman — might not have been able to properly see him.
While attempting to tow the stuck vehicle, Miner used a rope that was too thin, causing it to snap, the report says. As a result, Miner’s truck was pushed into the direct path of the other driver, investigators explained.
Due to the violations, investigators said they determined that Miner was at fault for the crash.
While the Orlando woman had alcohol in her system, it was below the legal requirements, according to Friday’s report. Investigators added that she was speeding at the time of the crash, though it “was not a direct cause,” as Miner’s violations meant the crash would have happened anyway.
Because of all these factors, troopers said that no charges would be filed, as the “at-fault person” was already dead.
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