Lantana, FL
(
Jun 23, 2026
) -
A fatal multi-vehicle crash in Lantana, FL left Jose Bedoya, 67, dead and sent others to a trauma center on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Authorities said the collision happened at about 11:12 a.m. at Dixie Highway and Ocean Avenue, where southbound traffic was stopped for a red light.
The crash involved a Jeep Wrangler, a Mazda CX5, a Toyota 4Runner, a Honda Civic, a Ford F350, a Freightliner box truck, a Toyota C-HR, and a Toyota Prius. Investigators said the Jeep had been traveling south on Dixie Highway after striking a Chevy truck north of Lantana Avenue and leaving that earlier crash scene.
By the time the Jeep reached Ocean Avenue, vehicles were already stopped at the intersection. Authorities said the Jeep did not slow or stop before hitting the rear of the Mazda CX5 driven by Bedoya. The impact pushed the Mazda into a Toyota 4Runner, while the Jeep continued into additional vehicles in the southbound lanes.
Emergency crews found heavy damage at the scene. Fire rescue personnel reported that three people had to be removed from wreckage, a process that took about 10 minutes. Bedoya, who was from Boca Raton, was pronounced dead at the scene. Charles Velbis, 34, of Lake Worth Beach, the driver of the Jeep, suffered severe injuries. The Honda Civic driver was also seriously injured, and two people in the Toyota 4Runner had minor injuries.
Authorities said Velbis was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs at the time of the crash. The available reports did not state whether any charges had been filed, and the investigation remains active. Investigators asked anyone who witnessed the crash to contact Investigator Josh Schneider at Schneiderj@pbso.org or 561-681-4535.
After a fatal crash involving several vehicles, families and injured people may need to gather the official crash report, medical records, vehicle damage photos, insurance letters, and any witness information as the investigation develops. Those records can help clarify what investigators documented at Dixie Highway and Ocean Avenue and what questions remain unanswered.
We are deeply concerned for the family of Jose Bedoya and for everyone injured in this Lantana, FL crash. A collision involving several vehicles can leave families facing difficult questions about crash reports, medical bills, insurance communications, and how to preserve important records. As the investigation continues, affected families may want to speak with a local law firm about their options before making major decisions with insurers. No legal outcome is guaranteed, but getting informed guidance can help protect records and reduce confusion after a serious or fatal car accident.
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