Victim's family wants answers after fatal crash

2 Brevard County men die in Tampa wrong-way crash

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The cousin of a University of South Florida student killed in a wrong-way crash this weekend wants to know why it happened

"Why do people have to do this?" asked Anand Patel, cousin of Ankeet Patel. "What resorts people to do this? It amazes me. I have no idea."

Ankeet Harshad Patel, 22, was one of four fraternity brothers traveling on Interstate 275 early Sunday morning when their car collided head-on with an SUV traveling the wrong way.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, 21-year-old Jobin Joy Kuriakose was driving down I-275 with passengers 21-year-old Dammie Yesudhas, 20-year-old Imityaz Ilias and Patel.

Another vehicle, driven by a man who has yet to be identified, collided head-on with Kuriakose's car in the center lane, just north of the Busch Boulevard exit.

The vehicle driven by the unidentified man subsequently caught fire and became engulfed in flames. That driver died at the scene of the crash.

Kuriakose, Patel, Ilias and Yesudhas also suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene of the crash.

[RELATED: 3 Central Florida men killed in Tampa crash]

Anand Patel remembered his cousin for the light he made of even the worst situations.

"He always had a way of making everything funny," Anand Patel said. "No matter how serious the situation, he's the kind of person who was always joking around. (He was) fun-loving, caring, who would do anything for you."

Sigma Rho, the fraternity the four were members of, started an online fundraiser for their victims' families, and in less than 36 hours they were able to raise more than $55,000.

"We're so grateful for everyone that donated," Anand Patel said.


About the Author:

Erik Sandoval joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2013 and became an Investigator in 2020. During his time at News 6, Erik has covered several major stories, including the 2016 Presidential campaign. He was also one of the first reporters live on the air at the Pulse Nightclub shooting.

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