A 31-year-old father in Florida has been arrested after allegedly driving drunk and causing a crash that resulted in the death of his 5-year-old daughter and severe injuries to his 3-year-old son. The father, Kody Wills, was taken into custody and charged with DUI manslaughter, DUI causing serious bodily injury, and two counts of negligent child abuse.
According to authorities, Wills was driving on Broadway Street near Lake Parker Drive in Lakeland on November 7, 2024, when he ran a stop sign and crossed the roadway, striking a tree. The collision caused the vehicle to catch on fire. Wills’ daughter tragically died as a result of the crash, and his son suffered serious injuries, including burns to his face that will leave permanent scarring.
A toxicology test conducted after the accident revealed that Wills’ blood alcohol content was 0.25, more than three times the legal limit for driving in Florida. Police reported that there was no evidence of pre-impact braking, suggesting that Wills may not have been fully in control of the vehicle when the crash occurred.
When authorities spoke to Wills at the hospital later that evening, he exhibited signs of intoxication, including watery eyes and the smell of alcohol on his breath. Wills admitted to drinking a shot of Maker’s Mark earlier in the afternoon, but he claimed that he had missed a turn and lost control of the vehicle. He also stated that after the crash, he tried to get his son out of the car but collapsed, and a stranger helped him.
The investigation revealed that Wills had been driving with his children, whom he had just picked up from their grandfather’s house. Despite his admission of drinking alcohol, Wills was found to be far over the legal limit, and his condition at the time of the crash was categorized as alcohol intoxication.
Doctors confirmed that the burns suffered by Wills’ son would result in permanent scarring, further compounding the tragedy. The emotional toll on the family has been devastating, as the loss of a child and the lasting injuries to another have left them with an immense burden.
Sheriff Grady Judd expressed his sorrow over the incident, acknowledging the profound impact it has had on the family and the community. He emphasized that the investigation had been thorough, ensuring that Wills was appropriately charged for his actions. Despite the charges, the sheriff recognized that nothing could bring back the young girl or undo the harm caused to her brother. The case has left many grieving, and the family continues to cope with the emotional devastation caused by the crash.
As the legal process moves forward, authorities are hopeful that justice will be served, and they ask the public to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
