Anthony Sanchez, a senior at Lake Nona High School, passed away after a car crash, causing both cars to catch fire on February 12, 2025. He suffered severe burns and passed away the next day.
The tragic incident involved two vehicles believed to be street racing on Narcoossee Road near Nonacrest Drive.
Highlights
- Anthony was a Lake Nona High School senior and planned to graduate with his class in May 2025.
- He was driving recklessly with his two friends, believed to be drag racing, and their car crashed near Nonacrest Drive on February 12, 2025.
- He died from the effect of a car crash injury the next day, and his friends had non-life-threatening injuries.
Anthony was planning to graduate with his class in May, but his life was cut short by the injuries sustained in the crash. A group of Lake Nona High School students paid their respects, some leaving flowers by a tree at the crash site.
He was with his friends, driving a car that crashed on Narcoossee Road between Savannah Park and Nonacrest drives. His two friends were also injured but reported to have non-life-threatening injuries.
According to the Orlando Police Department, they were driving recklessly, weaving in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed before the collision.
Similarly, an Orange County Public Schools board member, Maria Salamanca, suspected they were drag racing.
According to witnesses, one car crashed into a tree with such force that it bent in the center like a toy and rebounded off the tree.
District staff and the Lake Nona High School community are saddened to learn that 3 seniors were involved in a severe car accident this afternoon near Narcoossee Rd and Nonacrest Dr., just over 2 miles away from campus. One victim suffered severe burn injuries, while the other two victims suffered injuries as a result of the crash.
Maria Salamanca
All 3 victims transported to area hospitals for treatment. Orlando Police Department is investigating this case.
Anthony Sanchez’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss Due To Car Accident
Anthony Sanchez passed away from the effect of a car crash injury on February 13, 2025. His untimely demise has left his family and the Lake Nona community heartbroken.
Orlando Police Department continues investigating the crash and asked anyone with information or video footage to come forward.
Lake Nona High School Principal Nikki Campbell described him as a beloved school community member and expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
There are no words to describe the grief we feel as we were notified about the passing of one of our students. Our Lion, Anthony Sanchez, will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as they go through this very difficult time.
Nikki Campbell
Moreover, the high school has grief counselors for all the students and staff who need to speak to someone, and they will be available as long as necessary.
The entire community is deeply affected, and Anthony will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. He was a promising individual, and his untimely departure has left a void in the hearts of his family and friends.
His incident sparked conversations about the dangers of street racing and irresponsible driving. Orange County School Board members, school officials, and local leaders urged parents to discuss the importance of safe driving with their children.
Hopefully, my generation can come to understand that we aren’t meant to go away this soon; we’re still our parents’ babies, our best friends’ peace, and our teachers’ joy. Please enjoy one another while you have them because wishing you did after you can’t will always feel horrible.
Anthony’s friend Ian Pellicia
Undoubtedly, Anthony’s parents are grieving the loss of their son in private, and they will soon announce his funeral services.
His parents remember him for his helping hand and share in the laughter of everyday moments.
Trinity Stokes and other close members are organizing a GoFundMe fundraiser to raise $100K to help Anthony’s family. So far, 244 members have donated $8,370.
His community gathered to help his family and friends during this challenging period. Rest in Peace, Anthony Sanchez.
Additional Information
- Orlando Police shut down all northbound and southbound lanes of Narcoosee during the incident and encouraged drivers to use alternative routes.
- More than 40 firefighters responded to the scene, and bystanders helped pull out two people before firefighters arrived.
