A Florida State University student was killed by a vehicle on the west side of Tallahassee Monday evening. An 18-year-old was detained for the deadly incident.
FSU verified to WCTV that a motorist hit 20-year-old Elizabeth “Ellie” Sims while walking along West Pensacola Street. The deadly crash occurred Monday at 6:40 p.m. near Lorene and Pensacola Street, according to Tallahassee Police.
The university spokeswoman said the sophomore was from Franklin, Tennessee and an Alpha Chi Omega sorority member. FSU's Alpha Chi Omega sorority made a statement Tuesday afternoon after Sims' death on social media.
Tallahassee Police arrested 18-year-old Willis Trueblood Jr. on Tuesday for fleeing the fatal hit-and-run.
TPD said witnesses said Trueblood Jr. hit Sims in the crosswalk. TPD found Trueblood Jr. and the vehicle in southwest Tallahassee less than two hours after the incident. Police found the damaged vehicle at Liberty and Holton, according to court papers.
According to court filings, the vehicle “had damage to its hood and windshield consistent with the crash, as well as what appeared to be blood and hair in the windshield.”
Court documents show Trueblood Jr. pleaded not guilty in writing.
According to court filings, Trueblood Jr. told officers he had his visor down as the sun was shining around “five or six o’clock traffic” before the incident.
Court records showed he remembered two automobiles in the left lane that he would turn into and get behind. According to court papers, Trueblood Jr. said Sims hit the automobile.
“I didn’t see her coming. Court records indicated Trueblood Jr. departed because he didn't know what to do. He told detectives he left “because I was panicking.” Court records say so. According to court records, Trueblood Jr. drove to a friend's house and contacted his parent, worried.
Police stated Trueblood Jr. replied “I hit somebody and I just messed up” and was terrified and nauseous. Sims' death was announced Tuesday by Florida State President Richard McCullough. The statement says:
We are devastated by the death of our student Elizabeth “Ellie” Sims, who was hit by a car near campus on Monday. We send our sympathies to her family and friends. Anyone in the Florida State University family who needs help during this tragedy can obtain counseling. I advise anyone grieving this loss to seek help.
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