New details have emerged about the heartbreaking final messages sent by a South Florida university student who died in a crash caused by an alleged drunk driver, according to an arrest affidavit.
Lauryn Akey, 21, was killed when authorities say Dennis Olson, 53, struck her Honda CR-V with his Ford F-150 while driving south in the northbound lanes of Interstate 75.
The affidavit indicates Akey was on her way home from a friend’s wedding in the early hours of May 17 when the collision occurred, as reported by Law & Crime.
Olson has been charged with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide in connection with Akey’s death.
Investigators say that just before the crash, Akey stopped for gas and texted several family members to tell them she loved them and that she was nearly home. Moments later, her vehicle was hit.
The impact was so severe that authorities allege Akey was ejected from her car.
She was pronounced dead at the scene at around 1am.
Florida Highway Patrol officials said a witness described Olson as slurring his speech after he was removed from his truck.
Police reported Olson’s blood alcohol content was 0.222—nearly three times the legal limit—though he allegedly told officers he had only consumed one glass of wine at Sip & Sizzle in Fort Myers.
The affidavit also claims Olson “sideswiped” a Kia Optima in Arcadia, Florida, after turning into oncoming traffic, reportedly injuring a woman and her two children. One of the children reportedly needed surgery.
In the wake of her death, friends and family have been sharing tributes and memories online using the hashtag #lovelikelauryn.
Akey’s mother, Melinda Mucho, told FOX13 News that her daughter had hoped to become a nurse and was on track to graduate from University next year.
She said: “She would have done amazing things. Her life was just on the horizon; her life was just getting started with her boyfriend.
“She was going to graduate next year, and I want everyone to see her and feel that.
“You can look her up and see how loved she is.
“You can feel it by looking at her smile. I want everyone to see her and be like her. She was never mean to anybody. She brought people together, so many people together. Loved hard, loved so hard.”
Olson reportedly has a prior drunk driving conviction in Minnesota, which also reportedly involved traveling the wrong way on a road. His next court date in the Florida case is scheduled for June 15.