MADISON COUNTY, Fla. — What should have been a proud and emotional family weekend ended in tragedy after a Florida mother was killed in a wrong-way crash while driving home from dropping her eldest daughter off at college.
The deadly collision happened Aug. 20 along I-10 in Madison County, near Tallahassee, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Terri Pollock was driving an SUV with her 13-year-old daughter, Tariji Cone, when their vehicle was struck head-on by an alleged wrong-way driver.
Troopers said they received an alert shortly after 7 p.m. about a vehicle traveling west in the eastbound lanes of I-10. Not long afterward, emergency dispatchers began receiving 911 calls reporting a serious crash.
Pollock died in the collision, while Tariji suffered critical injuries. The 29-year-old woman accused of driving the wrong way was also critically injured.
Family Was Returning Home From College Move-In
The family had been in the Tallahassee area as part of an important milestone for Terri’s eldest daughter, Danaijah Jackson, who was beginning her college journey at Florida A&M University.
Instead of returning home with memories of a happy new chapter, the family was suddenly facing an unimaginable loss.
A GoFundMe established for the family described the tragedy as the destruction of what should have been a joyful moment for Terri and her daughters.
The family had been preparing to celebrate Danaijah’s future as a first-year college student, while Tariji was also part of the trip. Terri was described as a “devoted single mother, a provider, and a fighter.”
The tragedy is particularly painful because Terri and Danaijah had recently celebrated another major milestone together.
Months earlier, mother and daughter had shared the same stage during a graduation celebration. Terri had earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing, while Danaijah earned both her associate degree and high school diploma.
The family had every reason to look forward to more milestones together.
13-Year-Old Daughter Suffers Critical Injuries
While Terri did not survive the crash, her younger daughter was left with severe injuries. Tariji suffered several broken bones and a brain bleed that required surgery, according to her grandmother, Lasondra Pollock.
Her condition was serious enough that she required extensive medical care following the crash.
“She had a chest tube because there was some fluid there,” Lasondra said. “She also was on a ventilator for a few days. They did sedate her during the process.”
The injuries have left the family facing a difficult recovery while also mourning Terri. Lasondra had traveled to Tallahassee to help move her granddaughter into college before the crash.
“We decorated her room and everything,” Lasondra told the television station.
She said she and her younger daughter eventually returned home, while Terri planned to leave the following day. The family later received a message from Terri saying she was preparing to head home.
Heavy Rainfall Reported During Crash
Witnesses told authorities there was heavy rainfall in the area around the time of the collision.
Florida Highway Patrol said the crash remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the wrong-way driving incident.
Troopers had already received an alert about a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction before the devastating collision occurred. The head-on impact left both vehicles with serious damage and resulted in critical injuries to the alleged wrong-way driver and Tariji.
Authorities have not indicated what caused the 29-year-old driver to enter the eastbound lanes while traveling west.
Family Mourns Mother Who Was Building a Future
For Terri’s family, the crash has taken away a mother who was described as hardworking and deeply devoted to her children. She had worked toward her nursing degree while raising her daughters and supporting their goals.
Her family was celebrating Danaijah’s transition to college when tragedy struck, turning what should have been a moment of pride and promise into heartbreak.
Tariji now faces a long recovery from her injuries, while her family continues to grieve the loss of Terri.
The investigation into the I-10 crash remains ongoing, and officials are expected to examine the circumstances that led the wrong-way driver onto the interstate.
What do you think about this heartbreaking tragedy? Share your thoughts and send your support to Terri Pollock’s family in the comments.
