Student walking to high school killed by classmate’s dad fleeing crash, Florida cops say
An 18-year-old walking to school was fatally struck by a classmate’s parent fleeing another crash, Florida authorities said.
The man accused of hitting Zachariah Clabough dropped off his daughter at Bartow Senior High School the morning of March 27, according to a report from Florida Highway Patrol.
Edgardo Rosado Perez, 41, was involved in a “minor crash” with an SUV at the high school and was fleeing that scene at a “high rate of speed” when he hit Clabough, troopers said.
Rosado Perez didn’t stop when he hit the 18-year-old, authorities said. He went home and switched cars, then drove to a nearby mall, where he was arrested later that day, according to state troopers.
Clabough’s sister, Jordan Howell, told WTVT her heart was “completely broken” over her brother’s death.
“Zach has been through so much and was such a great soul,” Howell said. “He had his whole life ahead of him, and that was just ripped away from him.”
Family said he was set to graduate in May.
“Zach was a senior at Bartow and would have graduated with myself and every other member of the class of 2024 who mourns his passing,” a classmate wrote in a tribute on social media. She added the outpouring of love for him “shows me that he has made an impact on the lives of many.”
A candlelight vigil at his high school is being arranged for April 6 to honor his memory.
In a statement shared with McClatchy News, Bartow High Principal Lance Lawson described Clabough as a “quiet, hardworking student who was looking forward to graduation. His friends and teachers cared about him, and valued his presence on campus.”
Lawson added the student’s death was a reminder that “life is precious.”
“I just wanted to say that I am completely blown away by the amount of hearts Zach Clabough has touched,” Howell wrote on Facebook. “I am so thankful for this community, our friends, and family pulling together to show their love and support during this difficult time.”
Rosado Perez was charged with leaving the scene of a fatal crash, and he’s being held in Hillsborough County jail without bond. His attorney information is not available in court records.
Bartow is in Polk County, about a 45-mile drive east of Tampa.
This story was originally published March 28, 2024 at 12:49 PM with the headline "Student walking to high school killed by classmate’s dad fleeing crash, Florida cops say."