SANFORD, Fla. – A Seminole High School student and football player was killed in a crash Sunday, school officials said.
In a letter to parents and students Monday, Seminole High School Principal Dr. Jordan Rodriguez said Zi’Erric Wynn, 18, of Sanford, died in an auto accident.
Rodriguez said Zi’Erric Wynn was a member of the SHS football family and beloved by his coaches and teammates.
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According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the fatal crash was reported at 11 a.m. near Orange Boulevard and Oregon Street.
Troopers said a 19-year-old who has never had a driver’s license was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Impala, with an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old in the car. Rodriguez identified the 18-year-old as Zi’Erric Wynn.
The FHP said the Impala was traveling at a high rate of speed and hydroplaned before striking a power pole. Zi’Erric Wynn was taken to a hospital, where he died.
The driver suffered minor injuries and the 16-year-old was unharmed, the FHP said.
None of the three, all of whom are related, were wearing a seat belt, according to an FHP report.
Shirley Wynn said she’s grieving the loss of her grandson. She said Zi’Erric Wynn was already being recruited by college scouts.
“He wasn’t doing anything wrong and I have to accept that it was his time to go," Shirley Wynn said. “Words can’t even describe that feeling when I looked at that car. All I know is that car took my grandbaby life.”
Seminole High head football coach Eric Lodge said the team is honoring him at their first home game this Friday, and they’re dedicating this year’s season to Zi’Erric Wynn.
“We’ve ordered helmet decals for them and we’ll have jerseys out that are his at the game,” Lodge said. “It’s a little down around here. He was a big part of the football family.”
Delvin Ingram is Zi’Erric Wynn’s best friend and they played football together.
“I’m going to dedicate everything I do from here on out to him. Finish school, graduate, go on and succeed in life and represent.”
Charges are pending against the driver, the FHP report stated. Troopers are investigating.
Grief counselors will be at the school Monday to offer support to students. A GoFundMe page has been created to help cover Zi’Erric Wynn’s funeral expenses.
Below is the full letter sent to families:
Good morning SHS family,
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of Seminole High School student Zi’Erric Wynn. Zi’Erric was tragically killed in an auto accident over the weekend. Zi’Erric was a member of the SHS football family and was beloved by his coaches and teammates. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. We will have grief counselors on site this morning to offer additional support to any student in need.
Respectfully yours,
Dr. Jordan Rodriguez
Principal
Seminole High School