NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — Local NewsAugust 31, 2026Hillsborough
USF community plants memorial tree for nursing student Lauryn Akey
Friends, family, and classmates gathered at the University of South Florida to plant an evergreen oak tree in memory of nursing student Lauryn Akey. Akey was killed in May by a wrong-way driver on Interstate 75 in Charlotte County.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — Local NewsWhy It Matters
The event marks a community memorial effort following a fatal traffic incident involving a nursing student at the university.
Key Facts
- A memorial evergreen oak tree was planted outside the Physical Education building at the USF campus.
- The tree planting was organized by the USF Exercise Science Department.
- Lauryn Akey was a nursing student who died in a wrong-way driving crash in May.
- The crash occurred on Interstate 75 in Charlotte County.
- The Florida Highway Patrol identified the other driver as Dennis Olson and stated he was intoxicated at the time of the collision.
- Melinda Mucho has established the Love Like Lauryn Foundation in her daughter's memory.
Who's Mentioned
personLauryn Akey“Nursing student killed in a traffic accident.”locationCharlotte County“Location of the crash.”personDennis Olson“Driver involved in the fatal crash.”organizationFlorida Highway Patrol“Investigating agency for the crash.”personMelinda Mucho“Mother of Lauryn Akey and founder of the Love Like Lauryn Foundation.”locationInterstate 75“Site of the fatal collision.”organizationUniversity of South Florida“Location of the memorial tree planting.”