Ocoee High School graduate dies in crash

The Ocoee High School community is in mourning after the death of a recent graduate. 

Rasaan Gumbs, 18, died from injuries sustained in a car crash Friday, Aug. 16, near his old high school.

According to the crash report from the Ocoee Police Department, at 12:46 p.m. Friday, Gumbs and passenger Blondine Lamour, 17, were headed westbound along West Road and turning left to go southbound on Ocoee-Apopka Road in a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu.

According to witness statements, Gumbs had a green light to make the turn but a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder traveling northbound on Ocoee-Apopka Road continued through the intersection and struck Gumbs and Lamour’s car.

The collision caused both vehicles to skid to the northwest corner of the intersection, and the Chevrolet Malibu ended up on its side. 

Gumbs and Lamour were extricated from the vehicle and taken to the hospital. The teens had just graduated together from Ocoee High School in the Class of 2019.

The driver of the Nissan Pathfinder sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Following the incident, the Gumbs family posted a GoFundMe page to help pay for medical and funeral costs.

“We as the family are extremely thankful for all the love and support that we have received at this time of emotional distress and grieving,” the family wrote on the page. “Rest in paradise to you, our young prince. You will always have a special place in our hearts as we promise to hold on to you, your spirit and your well-being forever.”