A tragic series of events unfolded on November 7, when Kody Wills, a 30-year-old Lakeland father, was involved in a car crash that resulted in the death of his five-year-old daughter and left his three-year-old son with severe burns. Over a month following the accident, Wills now faces charges including DUI manslaughter and negligent child abuse, as reported by FOX 13 News.
According to the deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Wills was under the influence at the time of the crash, with a blood alcohol level of .25, more than three times the legal limit of .08. Investigators said that Wills ran a stop sign along Broadway Street and subsequently collided with a tree, which led to the vehicle catching on fire. In the crash's aftermath, deputies noted signs of impairment, and Wills admitted to having "had one shot of Maker's Mark alcohol earlier in the afternoon," approximately five hours before the incident, according to details obtained by ABC Action News.
The tragic accident took a particularly grievous turn as the Wills' vehicle, a four-door Kia, burst into flames post-collision, claiming the life of his daughter, JoLynn, and injuring his son, Walker. Despite Wills' injuries, including a broken ankle that impeded him from aiding his children, a good Samaritan intervened to assist until first responders could take over.
The toxicology report, which came from the University of Florida Pathology Lab, solidified the basis for the charges against Wills — a development shared by The Ledger. Beyond DUI manslaughter, Wills is also charged with DUI causing serious bodily injury and two counts of negligent child abuse.
