OCALA, Fla. — Authorities are investigating a tragic traffic incident that occurred on the morning of October 27, leaving an 18-year-old student dead. The Ocala Police Department responded to a call at 6:21 a.m. regarding a pedestrian struck on the 1900 block of Old Blitchton Road.
The victim, Shannon Rushing, a senior at Forest High School, was walking to her bus stop when she was hit by a Nissan SUV. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but Rushing was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver, a 60-year-old woman, remained on site and cooperated with investigators.
Police reported that the road where the collision occurred is a two-lane, unlit roadway with a posted speed limit of 30 mph. Investigators are reviewing all factors, including whether the victim was wearing headphones, road conditions, and vehicle speed.
The incident is under investigation by the Ocala Police Department. Officials remind the public to exercise caution when walking along roadways, especially in low-light conditions. Authorities are also evaluating the area for potential safety improvements to prevent future tragedies.
No additional details about charges or citations have been released at this time. The Ocala community continues to mourn the loss of Shannon Rushing.