Executive Summary
- The Ocala Police Department determined no criminal violations were committed by the driver in the fatal October 27 crash.
- Investigators found the victim was walking in the middle of the roadway wearing headphones in dark conditions.
- Speed was ruled out as a factor, and the driver fully cooperated with authorities.
- The investigation involving the death of the Forest High School student is now officially closed.
The Ocala Police Department has officially concluded its investigation into the fatal vehicle collision that claimed the life of an 18-year-old high school student in October, determining that the driver involved will not face criminal charges. According to law enforcement officials, a comprehensive review of the evidence established that no traffic or criminal violations were committed by the motorist during the incident.
The collision occurred on October 27, 2025, at approximately 6:20 a.m. along Northwest Old Blitchton Road near Northwest Seventh Street. Investigators reported that Shannon Rushing, a senior at Forest High School, was walking in the center of the roadway while wearing headphones on her way to a school bus stop when she was struck by an eastbound Nissan Rogue. The police report noted that weather conditions at the time were cloudy and the area was dark.
Authorities stated that the 60-year-old female driver of the vehicle fully cooperated with investigators throughout the process. Forensic analysis of the crash scene confirmed that excessive speed was not a contributing factor. Based on the pedestrian’s position in the roadway and the lack of driver negligence, the department has closed the case.
Investigative Conclusion
The finalization of this report brings a procedural end to the inquiry surrounding the student’s death, classifying the event as an accident rather than a criminal act. By ruling out speed and driver misconduct, the investigation underscores the profound risks associated with pedestrian traffic in low-visibility conditions. The determination rests on the findings that the driver was operating the vehicle lawfully when the pedestrian entered the right-of-way, precluding any legal basis for prosecution.
