Florida, USA — Sorrow and outrage spread through the Haitian community in South Florida after a tragic accident on the Florida Turnpike claimed the lives of three siblings from the diaspora.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Faniola Joseph, 37, of Pompano Beach
- Rodrigue Dor, 54, of Miami
- Herby Dufresne, 30, of Florida City (the driver of the minivan)
According to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the accident occurred when a truck driver from India made an illegal U-turn at a restricted intersection. The victims’ minivan had no chance to brake in time and crashed directly into the truck, resulting in fatal consequences.
Community Mourning and Anger
The accident has left the Haitian diaspora in deep grief. Residents of Pompano Beach, Miami, and Florida City — home to large Haitian communities — have expressed both sadness and anger over the reckless driving that caused this tragedy.
Community leaders are already calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws on Florida’s highways, as well as greater attention to the safety of immigrant families who often use the Turnpike for daily commutes.
A Loss Felt Beyond Borders
For many Haitians in South Florida, the three victims were not only family members but symbols of the hard work, resilience, and sacrifice of the Haitian diaspora. Their deaths leave behind grieving relatives, including children and parents, and have sparked conversations about how to better protect the community on America’s roads.
As vigils and memorials are planned, the Haitian-American community continues to stand together in solidarity and support for the families of Faniola, Rodrigue, and Herby.
