Neighbors saddened to learn about family of 5 killed in Alachua County crash

Russell family killed in crash Sunday on I-75

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. ā€“ Neighbors told Local 10 News that they were saddened to learn about the deaths of a South Florida family of five after a crash along Interstate 75 in Alachua County.

Nathan Russell, 35, his wife, Lynda Russell, 37, and their three children were killed in a crash Sunday as they were returning to Broward County after visiting relatives in Georgia.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, their rental car veered across traffic and slammed into the back of a tractor-trailer that was broken down on the side of the highway.

La'Nyah Russell, 15, and her sister,Ā Natayah Russell, 10, died at the scene, along with their parents. Nathan Russell Jr., 10, initially survived the crash but died a day later at a hospital.

"I'm in shock, because a few days ago, I said hi to the father and said hi to the mother," neighbor Diana Ordonez said.

At the family's Coral Springs apartment building Wednesday, neighbors were just learning of the tragedy.

"Very sad," Rodrigo Rodriguez said.

Relatives and close friends are raising money for the five funerals, an enormous task being helped by a growing GoFundMe account that's already topped $38,000 in just three days.


About the Author:

Terrell Forney joined Local 10 News in October 2005 as a general assignment reporter. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, but a desire to escape the harsh winters of the north brought him to South Florida.