NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All 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) — All NewsWhy It Matters
The event serves as a public memorial for a student killed in a fatal traffic incident, highlighting the community response to the loss.
Key Facts
- An evergreen oak tree was planted at the USF Physical Education building to honor Lauryn Akey.
- Lauryn Akey was a nursing student killed in a wrong-way crash in May.
- The Florida Highway Patrol identified the other driver as Dennis Olson and stated he was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
- The crash occurred on Interstate 75 in Charlotte County.
- Melinda Mucho established the Love Like Lauryn Foundation following the incident.
Who's Mentioned
personLauryn Akey“Nursing student killed in a wrong-way DUI crash.”organizationLove Like Lauryn Foundation“Foundation started by Melinda Mucho.”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.”locationInterstate 75“Site of the fatal collision.”organizationUniversity of South Florida“Location of the memorial tree planting.”