AUBURNDALE, Fla. — A Bartow man was arrested after he caused a crash that killed a 5-year-old girl and hospitalized two other people with serious injuries after a three-vehicle crash in Auburndale, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.
Robert Harrison, 24, was arrested after he crashed his Ford F-350 into a Dodge Caravan just after midnight Friday on 42nd Street NW.
Inside the van were 5-year-old Madeline Nichols, 32-year-old Jackqueline Nichols and 33-year-old Justin Jones.
After the collision, a white Ford pickup truck hit Harrison's truck, according to a news release by the sheriff's office.
When deputies arrived, 5-year-old Madeline had already died from her injuries.
Nichols suffered head trauma and internal bleeding and is in critical condition. Jones suffered head trauma and multiple spinal fractures and is also in critical condition, according to deputies.
Harrison told deputies that he was drinking alcohol before the crash and blew a 0.119 and 0.122 when he was tested. The legal limit is 0.08. He was booked into the Polk County Jail. He is facing multiple charges including DUI Manslaughter, DUI serious bodily injury, DUI property damage, DUI and violation of probation for trespassing.
The roadway was closed for about 4 hours before being reopened.
A GoFundMe was created by her family to help with funeral and medical expenses, The description said Justin is still fighting for his life and ability to walk.
"Words cannot express the depth of our sorrow and the void her absence has left. Maddie brought so much joy, laughter, and love to everyone she touched, and her loss is immeasurable," the description reads.
