Accident Report — Heather Finley Car Accident Update | Lake County, Florida | 2018 Crash Involving Four Women
LAKE COUNTY, Florida — This comprehensive accident report provides a precise and factual account of the 2018 Lake County car accident, subsequent legal developments, and the latest update on Heather Finley’s involvement, including sentencing and family responses. The collision — one of the deadliest in recent Lake County traffic incidents — resulted in the deaths of four women and triggered ongoing legal, community, and safety discussions in Florida.
Incident Overview — April 8, 2018 Lake County Crash
At approximately 2:00 a.m. on April 8, 2018, a fatal traffic collision occurred near **State Road 50 and South Talbott Avenue in Mascotte, in Lake County. The crash involved a pickup truck driven by Heather Finley and a sedan carrying four women. Investigators later determined that the crash resulted in the deaths of all four occupants of the sedan. (WKMG)
According to official court documents and police reports, Finley’s vehicle was traveling approximately 59 mph in a 35 mph zone at the moment of impact, contributing to the severity of the crash. (WKMG)
Victims of the Crash
The four women killed in the collision were identified as:
- Sha’Keila Smith, 26, of Leesburg, Florida
- Kambrea Smith, 26, of Leesburg, Florida
- Roslyn Felton, 29, of Wildwood, Florida
- Tierra Chambers, 26, of Orlando, Florida
All four were friends and young mothers returning from an evening out together when their vehicle was struck. The victims’ deaths devastated multiple families and left behind several young children. (WKMG)
Law Enforcement and Initial Investigation
Early investigation noted that both drivers had alcohol in their systems at the time of the accident. Blood analysis indicated that Finley’s blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) was at or near the legal limit of 0.08 percent, and cannabinoids were also detected, suggestive of recent marijuana use. (The Black Wall Street Times)
Police records documented the crash as a result of Finley’s pickup truck striking the side of the sedan, causing it to rotate and spin, a factor that contributed to the severity of the incident. Investigators also noted rainy weather and dark conditions at the time of the crash, which may have affected visibility and road traction. (Yahoo)
Finley initially filed a brief statement asserting that the sedan had pulled out in front of her vehicle. Data from her truck’s internal data recorder confirmed excessive speed at the moment of impact. (Yahoo)
Criminal Charges and Legal Proceedings
In the months following the crash, Finley was charged with multiple counts related to the collision, including:
- Four counts of DUI manslaughter, and
- Four counts of vehicular homicide. (WKMG)
Finley pled not guilty to the DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide charges, and her defense challenged the integrity of the blood-alcohol and drug tests conducted as part of the investigation, citing issues with chain-of-custody documentation and forensic reliability. (Yahoo)
However, the case did not proceed to full trial. In September 2022, a plea agreement was reached between prosecutors and Finley’s defense team. Under the terms of that deal:
- Finley agreed to plead “no contest” to reduced charges,
- She was sentenced to four years in prison, and
- She was ordered to pay $200,000 in restitution to the victims’ families. (WKMG)
The judge accepted the plea deal, despite objections from family members who felt the sentence — equivalent to one year in prison per life lost — was insufficient. (The Black Wall Street Times)
Family and Community Reactions
Family members of the four victims publicly criticized the plea agreement and sentencing outcome. Many expressed disappointment and frustration that Finley would not face a lengthier prison term, given the loss of life. One relative stated that “justice” was not served, pointing to the fact that each victim left behind young children. (WKMG)
During the sentencing hearing, Finley addressed the court and expressed remorse, acknowledging that her apology could not reverse the tragedy or bring back the victims. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about them and their families,” she said. (WKMG)
Safety and Public Awareness
The 2018 Lake County collision underscores significant issues related to impaired driving, excessive speed, and nighttime traffic safety in Florida. Statistically, alcohol-impaired collisions continue to contribute heavily to roadway fatalities across the state, according to Florida Highway Patrol data. (cdn7.creativecirclemedia.com)
Safety advocates emphasize the importance of:
- Avoiding driving under the influence,
- Adhering to posted speed limits, and
- Using designated drivers or alternative transportation when impaired.
These measures are vital to preventing similar tragedies.
Crash Site Memorials and Legacy
The site near State Road 50 and South Talbott Avenue has become a solemn place of remembrance for those killed in the crash. Family members and community advocates continue to honor the memories of Sha’Keila Smith, Kambrea Smith, Roslyn Felton, and Tierra Chambers through memorials and annual reflections.
Though the legal proceedings surrounding Heather Finley’s conviction have concluded, the crash remains a stark reminder of the catastrophic impact of impaired and reckless driving.
Conclusion
The 2018 Lake County, Florida crash involving Heather Finley resulted in the deaths of four young women and a long, complex legal process culminating in a plea deal and prison sentence. This updated accident report provides a factual, SEO-optimized account of the collision, investigation, legal outcomes, and ongoing community impact, ensuring accurate and authoritative information for public knowledge and search visibility.
