Fatal Car Accident on US 1 in Hobe Sound, FL on May 24, 2026

Authorities said a wrong-way crash on US 1 near Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound on Sunday afternoon left one man dead and four other people seriously injured, including two young children.

Investigators said the incident ended just before 5 p.m. in southern Martin County after a Ford Escape traveling the wrong way on US 1 struck two southbound SUVs head on near the park area. Reports indicate the driver had traveled for roughly 16 miles in the wrong lanes before the crash. After impact, the vehicle went off the roadway into a wooded area and caught fire.

The wrong-way driver, identified in reports only as a 43-year-old man, died at the scene. Four people in the other vehicles were hurt but were expected to survive, authorities said. The injured were reported as a 39-year-old woman, a 6-year-old child, a 3-year-old child, and a 63-year-old woman. Officials have not released names.

Authorities said the crash involved a BMW X5 and a Land Rover in addition to the Ford Escape. A portion of the state park also caught fire after the wreck, but the flames were put out. The area of US 1 near Jonathan Dickinson State Park was affected as emergency crews responded and investigators worked the scene.

The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the investigation. As that review continues, families affected by a serious Hobe Sound crash on US 1 often need to keep medical records, insurance correspondence, photographs, and any witness information together. When injuries are severe or a death occurs, some people also choose to speak with a Hobe Sound car accident attorney before making major decisions about insurance claims or records releases.