Family Identifies 22-Year-Old Jerren Robinson as Victim in State Road 31 Crash
Arcadia, Florida — A tragic head-on collision on State Road 31 early Sunday morning has left a community in mourning after family members confirmed that 22-year-old Jerren Robinson of Arcadia was among the victims who lost their lives in the devastating crash.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the collision occurred around 6:15 a.m. in the northbound lanes of State Road 31 near County Road 760A in DeSoto County. Investigators say two vehicles — a gray Honda Accord and a white Chevrolet Silverado — collided head-on under circumstances that remain under investigation.
Preliminary findings suggest that one of the vehicles may have crossed the center line, leading to the violent impact. Both vehicles sustained catastrophic damage, and debris was scattered across several hundred feet of roadway. Emergency responders from DeSoto County Fire Rescue and the Arcadia Police Department arrived within minutes of the 911 calls but found multiple occupants trapped inside the wreckage.
Rescue crews worked tirelessly to extricate the victims, using hydraulic tools to cut through the twisted metal. Sadly, Jerren Robinson was pronounced deceased at the scene. Another occupant of the second vehicle, whose name has not yet been publicly released pending family notification, was transported via medical helicopter to Sarasota Memorial Hospital in critical condition.
The crash also injured two others who were treated for non-life-threatening injuries and later released from the hospital.
A Beloved Young Man Remembered
News of Jerren’s passing has sent shockwaves through Arcadia, where he was well-known and deeply loved. Friends describe him as “the kind of person who could light up any room” — a young man with a big heart, an easy smile, and dreams that were only just beginning to take shape.
Jerren, a 2021 graduate of DeSoto County High School, was a standout athlete who played football and ran track. After high school, he began working in automotive repair, with hopes of one day opening his own garage.
“He loved cars — not just driving them, but fixing them, understanding them,” said his cousin Marcus Green. “That’s what made this so heartbreaking. He knew the roads, he was careful. None of us can believe he’s gone.”
Family members gathered Sunday evening at the site of the crash, lighting candles and placing flowers near a makeshift memorial on the roadside. Jerren’s mother, Angela Robinson, spoke briefly to reporters, her voice breaking with emotion.
“My baby didn’t deserve this,” she said. “He had his whole life ahead of him. I just want people to slow down and be careful — because one mistake can destroy so many lives.”
Ongoing Investigation
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the collision. Troopers are working to determine whether factors such as speed, distraction, or fatigue played a role. The road was closed for several hours on Sunday morning as investigators documented evidence and cleared debris.
Authorities have not yet released toxicology results, and no charges have been filed at this stage. Officials have also requested that any witnesses or drivers with dashcam footage from the area between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. come forward to assist in the investigation.
Community Reaction
The Arcadia community has rallied around the Robinson family in the wake of the tragedy. Friends and neighbors have launched an online fundraiser to assist with funeral expenses and to honor Jerren’s memory. Messages of love and support have poured in across social media, with many sharing photos and stories of Jerren’s kindness.
“Jerren was like a little brother to all of us,” wrote one friend. “He always found a way to make everyone smile, even on bad days.”
A candlelight vigil is planned for Tuesday evening at DeSoto County High School’s football field, where former teammates, coaches, and classmates will gather to celebrate his life and legacy.
A Reminder of Life’s Fragility
As investigators continue to search for answers, the heartbreak in Arcadia is a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change. State Road 31, a common commuter route between Arcadia and Fort Myers, has been the scene of several serious accidents in recent years, prompting renewed calls for safety improvements.
For those who knew Jerren Robinson, the loss feels both unimaginable and unfair — a bright young life taken far too soon, leaving behind a family and community forever changed.