Connor Dietrich {GoFundMe}
Two brothers who survived the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School were among the victims injured in a deadly police-pursuit crash in Tampa that killed four people and injured thirteen others on Nov 8, authorities said.
Connor Dietrich, 25, and brother Brandon Dietrich, both former MSD students, were at a table with friend Riley Hancock, 24, outside Bradley’s on 7th in Tampa’s Ybor City entertainment district when they were struck by a speeding Toyota Camry, authorities said.
The Camry, driven by 22-year-old Silas Kenneth Sampson, was being pursued by Florida Highway Patrol troopers and had refused to stop, eluding a PIT maneuver before crashing into the crowd, according to court records.
Authorities said Brandon Dietrich was not seriously injured in the crash and was later medically cleared. But Connor Dietrich suffered multiple serious injuries, including skull fractures, a lacerated spleen, a brain bleed, and broken bones. Authorities said he was placed into a medically induced coma and remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Hancock, according to authorities, suffered spinal fractures, broken ribs, and other injuries.
Bill Muter, Connor Dietrich’s uncle, has organized a GoFundMe fundraiser on behalf of his brother and sister-in-law, Connor’s parents, to help support the family. The campaign had raised more than $37,000 toward its $40,000 goal as of Thursday morning.
“Our entire family is deeply shaken by the tragedy,” Muter wrote. “The road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult. I’m managing this fundraiser so my brother and sister-in-law can devote their energy to being by Connor’s side every moment.”
Muter said all funds raised “will go directly to Connor and his parents to help cover extensive medical expenses, bills, time away from work, and the long-term costs of rehabilitation and recovery.”
“Our family is deeply grateful for every prayer, message, and act of kindness shared during this unthinkable time,” Muter added. “Your support means the world to us as we rally behind Connor on his journey toward healing.”
The Dietrich brothers were students at MSD during the 2018 shooting in which 17 people were murdered and another 17 hurt by a mass shooter.
Before the crash in Ybor City, the alleged fleeing driver, Sampson, had been speeding on Interstate 275, according to court records. Florida Highway Patrol troopers used a PIT maneuver to try to stop the Camry, which reached speeds between 92 and 100 miles per hour, and soon after, discontinued their pursuit, records show.
Seconds later, Sampson drove onto the sidewalk and crashed into the crowd, authorities said.
He was arrested at the scene and charged with four counts of vehicular homicide, along with numerous other crimes. A judge has ordered him held without bond.
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