BREAKING: Windermere High senior killed in fatal crash

A Windermere High School senior and recently named Super Scholar was among the four people killed in a late-night crash Saturday, March 1.

Windermere Principal Andrew Leftakis confirmed that Samuel Lahik, 18, of Windermere, who matched recently with Duke University through the QuestBridge National College Match, died in the crash. 

“I know I speak for our entire Windermere High community when I express the extreme grief we feel at the loss of one of our own,” Leftakis said in a voice mail sent to the school community. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they go through this extremely difficult time.”

“Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and the entire Windermere community during this incredibly difficult time,” Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria F. Vazquez said. “The sudden passing of a young life is an unimaginable loss, and we are committed to providing support for our students and staff as they navigate this grief.”

According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, troopers responded to a crash that happened at 10:52 p.m. Saturday on Central Florida Parkway near Whitley Place.

According to FHP reports, a 2024 Toyota Camry and 2024 BMW M2 both were traveling above the speed limit eastbound on Central Florida Parkway east of Whitley Place. The driver of the BMW attempted to overtake the Camry by changing lanes from the outside lane to the inside lane. As the driver of the BMW attempted to reenter the outside lane, the right side of the vehicle collided with the front left of the Camry. This impact caused both vehicles to run off the roadway right onto the south shoulder. 

The Camry struck a light pole, continued traveling in a southerly direction and collided with several trees.

As the BMW traveled in a southerly direction on the shoulder, the front left of vehicle struck several trees. 

Both the front passenger of the Camry, a male, and the driver of the BMW, a 26-year-old male, were pronounced dead at the scene. The rear passenger of the Camry, Lahik, and front passenger of the BMW,  a 23-year-old female, were transported to Orlando Health — Dr. P. Phillips Hospital and later pronounced dead. The driver of the Camry, a 20-year-old male, was transported to Orlando Health — Dr. P. Phillips Hospital with serious injuries.

“We will have grief counselors on campus tomorrow for any student or staff member who needs to speak with someone about this loss,” Leftakis said. “A wide range of emotions can be felt during the grief process, and we encourage you to openly discuss your child's reaction to this news. Please keep our students and staff in your thoughts at the difficult time.”

Leftakis also announced the SAT School Day, which was scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, has been rescheduled to Thursday, March 6. 

This crash remains under investigation.