GIFFORD — The man who was trapped in a pond for more than 20 minutes following a crash has died.
The Florida Highway Patrol announced Monday afternoon that 23-year-old Davante Paschal has passed.
A woman and a 2-year-old girl were rescued from the vehicle shortly after the crash.
GIFFORD — One man is in critical condition after he was trapped in a submerged car during a crash Saturday night.
Three people were rescued from a vehicle submerged in a retention pond at the Grace Groves neighborhood in Gifford. The names of the occupants have also been released by Florida Highway Patrol.
Davante Paschal, 23, of Fort Pierce, is in critical condition, and Vashon Ferguson, 32, and Alaysia Paschal, 2, of Boynton Beach, had minor injuries, according to FHP. It is unknown if they were wearing their seat belts.
An Indian River County Sheriff’s Explorer Jacob Ursin, 16, jumped into the pond and got Alaysia out of the car, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies Michael Dilks and Jacob Curby arrived on scene and swam out to the other two adults. They were able to get Vashon out of the water. Both adults could not swim.
Authorities are investigating if alcohol was related to the crash.
The incident happened around 9 p.m. near 41st Avenue and 41st Terrace. The vehicle was northbound on 41st Terrace approaching 41st Square when it lost control, traveling off the roadway on the north shoulder and struck a fence, according to FHP. It continued in a northeasterly direction and entered the pond.
Vashon and Alaysia escaped quickly, but Davonte was trapped for 24 minutes in the 57 degree water, according to authorities.
The incident has been categorized as a near-drowning.
Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. They initially listed the crash as a possible fatality.
