In the early hours of a Sunday morning, a catastrophic rollover crash on State Road 19 near Saint Florian Lane in Florida claimed the lives of three vibrant young women: Tavia Pew, Kayy Lashay, and Kaneisha Lewis. The devastating accident, which occurred just outside Mount Dora, has left a community reeling, grappling with the sudden loss of lives full of promise and light. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is still piecing together the events that led to this tragedy, but what’s undeniable is the profound impact these women had on those who knew them..
The Tavia Pew accident serves as a somber reminder of how quickly life can change—and how precious every moment truly is. As family, friends, and neighbors mourn, they’re also coming together to honor the legacies of Tavia, Kayy, and Kaneisha, whose vibrant spirits continue to resonate even in their absence. This blog post dives into the details of the accident, the lives lost, and the broader implications for road safety, all while paying tribute to a woman whose memory will endure.
Quick Facts About Tavia Pew and the Accident
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Tavia Pew |
| Location of Accident | State Road 19, near Saint Florian Lane, FL |
| Date of Accident | Early Sunday morning, [exact date TBD, as of March 31, 2025] |
| Cause | Vehicle lost control, rollover crash |
| Victims | Tavia Pew, Kayy Lashay, Kaneisha Lewis (deceased); one survivor |
| Survivor Status | 26-year-old woman in critical condition |
| Investigating Body | Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) |
The Fatal Crash: What Happened on State Road 19?
The sequence of events that led to the Tavia Pew accident is both heartbreaking and sobering. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 2024 Jeep Cherokee was traveling northbound on State Road 19 in the pre-dawn hours. The driver, a 30-year-old woman from Mount Dora, approached a left-hand curve in the road—a stretch known for its winding turns. For reasons yet to be fully determined, she failed to negotiate the turn, sending the SUV careening off the roadway.
What followed was a chain of catastrophic events. The vehicle struck a pole with significant force, triggering a series of violent flips. By the time the Jeep came to a stop, the damage was irreparable. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but the scene they encountered was grim: two occupants, including the driver, were pronounced dead on arrival. Two other passengers—Tavia Pew and another woman—were rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Tragically, one of them succumbed to her wounds, raising the death toll to three.
The sole survivor, a 26-year-old woman from Eustis, remains in critical condition. Medical teams are working tirelessly to stabilize her, offering a fragile glimmer of hope amidst the devastation. As the community processes this loss, the question on everyone’s mind is: what went wrong?
A Community Left in Mourning
The loss of Tavia Pew, Kayy Lashay, and Kaneisha Lewis has sent shockwaves through their families and beyond. Those who knew Tavia describe her as a beacon of kindness and vitality—a woman who brought warmth and positivity wherever she went. Alongside Kayy and Kaneisha, she was part of a trio whose energy was infectious, their laughter a soundtrack to countless memories. Their sudden absence has left a void that words struggle to capture.
Local residents have taken to social media and community gatherings to express their grief. One neighbor remarked, “They were such bright souls—always smiling, always lifting everyone up. It’s hard to believe they’re gone.” Another friend shared, “Tavia had this way of making you feel like you mattered. She didn’t just live—she thrived.” These tributes paint a picture of three women who lived fully and loved deeply, leaving behind legacies that won’t soon fade.
Investigating the Cause
The Florida Highway Patrol is conducting a meticulous investigation into the Tavia Pew accident. While initial reports don’t pinpoint a definitive cause, several factors are under scrutiny. Was speed a contributor? Did weather or road conditions play a role? Could driver impairment have been involved? These questions linger as authorities analyze evidence, including vehicle data and witness accounts, to reconstruct the moments leading up to the crash.
State Road 19, with its sharp curves and limited visibility, has long been a concern for locals. The stretch near Saint Florian Lane is particularly notorious, especially during low-light hours when depth perception can falter. This tragedy has reignited calls for enhanced safety measures—better signage, improved lighting, or even speed-reducing features—to prevent future losses. For now, though, the focus remains on healing and remembering.
The Lives Lost: Tavia Pew’s Light
While this post centers on Tavia Pew, her story is intertwined with those of Kayy Lashay and Kaneisha Lewis. Tavia was known for her vibrant spirit—a woman who approached life with an open heart and an unshakable zest. Friends recall her as someone who could brighten the darkest days, whether through a kind word or a spontaneous act of joy. She wasn’t just a passenger in that Jeep; she was a force of nature, someone who left an imprint on every soul she met.
Kayy and Kaneisha, too, were pillars of their circle. Kayy’s creativity and Kaneisha’s quiet strength complemented Tavia’s energy, forming a bond that was as strong as it was beautiful. Together, they were unstoppable—three women who lived with purpose and passion. Their deaths have left their loved ones grappling with an unimaginable loss, but also determined to honor their memories.
Road Safety: A Wake-Up Call
The Tavia Pew accident underscores a critical issue: road safety isn’t just a personal responsibility—it’s a collective one. State Road 19’s challenging layout demands vigilance, especially in the early morning when fatigue can creep in. This crash serves as a stark reminder to slow down, stay alert, and prioritize safety over haste. For those who travel similar roads, it’s a call to action: buckle up, avoid distractions, and respect the limits of both vehicle and environment.
Local advocates are already mobilizing, urging officials to reassess this stretch of highway. Could guardrails have softened the impact? Might better lighting have illuminated that fateful curve? These questions may not bring Tavia, Kayy, or Kaneisha back, but they could save others from a similar fate. Their deaths, though tragic, could spark change—a legacy of safety born from sorrow.
Holding Onto Memories
As the investigation unfolds and the community mourns, the focus is shifting toward celebration amid the grief. Tavia Pew’s life—and those of Kayy and Kaneisha—wasn’t defined by this accident, but by the joy they brought to the world. From shared laughs to quiet moments of connection, their stories are being told and retold, keeping their spirits alive.
For Tavia’s family, the pain is raw, but the love she inspired offers solace. Friends are finding comfort in recounting her quirks—her infectious smile, her knack for turning strangers into friends. In Eustis, Mount Dora, and beyond, her name is spoken with reverence, a testament to a life that mattered.
FAQ About the Tavia Pew Accident
Q: What happened in the Tavia Pew accident?
A: A 2024 Jeep Cherokee crashed on State Road 19, flipping multiple times after veering off a curve, killing Tavia Pew and two others.
Q: When did the Tavia Pew accident occur?
A: The crash took place early Sunday morning, with the exact date pending confirmation as of March 31, 2025.
Q: Where did the accident happen?
A: It occurred on State Road 19 near Saint Florian Lane, close to Mount Dora, Florida.
Q: Who else was involved in the crash?
A: Kayy Lashay and Kaneisha Lewis also died; a 26-year-old woman from Eustis survived but is in critical condition.
Q: What caused the Tavia Pew accident?
A: The cause is still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol, with factors like speed or road conditions being considered.
Q: How is the community responding?
A: Residents are mourning, sharing memories, and advocating for improved safety on State Road 19.
A Legacy of Light Amid Tragedy
The Tavia Pew accident is a wound that will take time to heal, but it’s also a story of resilience and remembrance. Tavia, alongside Kayy Lashay and Kaneisha Lewis, lived lives that radiated joy and connection. Their untimely loss on State Road 19 is a tragedy, but their legacies inspire us to live more fully, drive more safely, and cherish every day. As their community rallies in grief and hope, Tavia’s spirit—vibrant, kind, and unforgettable—reminds us to hold our loved ones close and honor the light they bring to our lives
