Reckless driver kills two spring breakers in Miami Beach hit-and-run

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 42-year-old man named Adan Negron-Morris was behind the wheel of a black Nissan Sentra when he plowed down two spring breakers, Greatgomon Laowatdhanasapya and Sarisa Kongduang, in Miami Beach around 9 p.m. on Wednesday. Negron-Morris told police he intended to take his own life by crashing his vehicle, and he recalled "closing his eyes, pressing the accelerator, and hoping to die." The victims were rushed to a local hospital where they succumbed to their injuries.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the need for greater awareness and prevention of such incidents, especially during busy spring break periods when many young people are visiting Miami Beach. It also raises questions about mental health support and intervention for individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts.

The details

Negron-Morris was spotted driving recklessly and without headlights in the area of 71st Street and Collins Avenue shortly after 9 p.m. Multiple people called 911 to report the dangerous driver. Negron-Morris drove past a Miami Beach officer responding to the 911 calls before slamming into the two victims at the intersection of 73rd Street and Collins Avenue. The victims were struck so hard that they were hurled airborne and landed several feet away. Negron-Morris told investigators he intended to take his own life and that he suffers from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression.

• Around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Negron-Morris plowed down the two spring breakers.
• Shortly after 9 p.m., Negron-Morris was spotted driving recklessly and without headlights in the area of 71st Street and Collins Avenue.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Negron-Morris pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held on a $1 million bond. The judge will decide on whether to allow him out on bail.