POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – The Broward Sheriff’s Office identified a driver and his passenger Friday who were involved in a crash in Pompano Beach that left a rollerblader dead.
According to authorities, Endail Thomas, 25, of Lauderdale Lakes, was driving west near the 600 block of Northeast 10th Street shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Deputies said his silver 2007 Nissan Murano crossed over double lane lines to pass a slower moving vehicle, but Thomas lost control of the vehicle while swerving back to the right and struck Aline Palla Acosta, 27, who was roller blading on a pedestrian path along the north side of the road.
The Nissan then struck a tree and split in two, authorities said.
Palla Acosta was pronounced dead at the scene.
“She was a good girl, very humble,” the victim’s father-in-law, Carlos Acosta, said. “She’s been married to my son for about three years.”
Thomas and his passenger, Melissa Gregoire, 37, of Fort Lauderdale, were taken to Broward Health North, where they were listed in critical condition.
Thomas’ girlfriend was overcome with emotion Friday as she spoke with Local 10 News reporter Alex Finnie.
“He’s a sweet guy and a very lovely father,” Rosie Granvil said. “I feel sorry for the other person that passed away too.”
The couple are new parents to twin girls Destiny and Faith.
Granvil said she filed a missing person’s report the next morning after not hearing from her boyfriend all day Wednesday. That’s when police told her what had happened.
“I have a lot of faith and I hope he comes home again soon,” she said.
The traffic homicide investigation remains ongoing.
“It’s left a big hole because we’re uncertain of what happened,” Acosta said. “We’ve been trying to figure it out, you know? Coming to terms with what actually happened with her and the accident.”
A candle light vigil is being held at 6 p.m. Friday in honor of Palla Acosta at the sight of the accident. Those attending are asked to meet in the parking lot on Federal Highway and 10th Street across from Fire Station 24.
The family has created a GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral expenses.