Officials say deadly Pride parade crash was not intentional

[turbinetree]

Source: Associated Press

By KELLI KENNEDY
4 minutes ago

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A member of a men’s chorus group unintentionally slammed into fellow chorists at the start of a Pride parade in South Florida, killing one member of the group and seriously injuring another, the group’s director said Sunday, clarifying initial speculation that it was a hate crime directed at the gay community.

Wilton Manors Vice Mayor Paul Rolli and Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said the early investigation shows it was an accident. The 77-year-old driver was taken into custody, but police said no charges have been filed and the investigation is ongoing.

The elderly driver had ailments that prevented him from walking, according to a statement Sunday from Fort Lauderdale Police, who said he was cooperating with the investigation and there was no evidence drugs or alcohol was involved.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/fl-state-wire-florida-8ba2e46151a5592ed0e54c004cbedf85

[CurtEastPoint]

1. I saw the clip of them taking him into custody and he had pride tshirt on and ...

I figured something was up. How awful.

[Warpy]

5. I didn't see the photo, but I raised the possibility

of mechanical problems or catastrophic health issue because the FL "run over anybody you don't like" law wouldn't cover a parade for which a permit had been issued.

[barbtries]

2. appears he should not have been driving either.

tragic.

[Behind the Aegis]

3. A total tragedy.

I am relieved it wasn't deliberate, though it still is a profound tragedy. Though not nearly as sad, but still disappointing, are the the people doing the "I told you so dance".

[JI7]

7. Especially since it was close to 5 years after the Pulse nightclub attack

People had just been memorializing that attack.

Reminds me of someone calling NYers Cowards when some planes started flying low at some place and people stayed running scared . Like you would think after 9/11 people can understand why planes flying like that in NY would scare people.

[femmedem]

4. I can't imagine his horror and grief.

A tragedy for everyone involved.

[ShazzieB]

6. I know, right?

He must be both devastated and mortified.

[riversedge]

11. Agree. Horrible all around.

[marble falls]

8. That is a tragedy.

[IronLionZion]

9. There was wild speculation on DU when it was first reported

I'm relieved it wasn't intentional but sad that the tragic accident happened.

[OneCrazyDiamond]

10. Too many similar issues that turned out to be Hate.

People need to realise, the orange boy is gone, and won't be back.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

12. Tragic all around.

He has to live with this and being called a religious bigot and skinhead because he’s a bald 77 year old man. RIP to the victim and I hope this man gets through this, I can’t imagine carrying that weight around.