Man dies from injuries suffered in Dania Beach car crash, family says

DANIA BEACH, Fla. – One of three people injured last week in a car crash along Federal Highway in Dania Beach has died, family members said.

Adam Abdou-Essa, 21, of Davie, suffered severe brain injuries in the crash just after 4 a.m. July 25 near Griffin Road. Authorities said 38-year-old Carlos Varas, of Tamarac, was driving the the wrong way on Federal Highway when his van collided with Abdou-Essa's Honda Civic.

"For five days my family held on and we prayed, day and night begging, hoping and praying for a miracle. Adam was driving his friend home from a bar and got struck by a negligent driver," Abdou-Essa's sister, Amanda, said in a statement. "Adam fought hard for his life, and we prayed for his recovery, however that is not what was in store for us."

Family and friends have started a GoFundMe page to help pay for medical bills and funeral expenses.

Adam Abdou-Essa's father, Mohamed, said his son was looking forward to attending the University of Florida and wanted to become an anesthesiologist.

“He was an angel among us. As much I ask God why ... I’m accepting as well. Maybe it was better for him to be with God than be with us and suffer,” Mohamed Abdou-Essa said.

Mohamed Abdou-Essa said his son's friend who was in the car at the time of of the crash was also hurt, but he is expected to recover.

Joy Oglesby, a spokeswoman for the Broward County Sheriff's Office, said the crash is still under investigation. Oglesby said Varas was treated for injuries at a Broward Health Medical Center and has since been released. No charges have been filed.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Detective Sean Williams at 954-375-3181 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.