A fatal traffic incident in the neighboring community of Fort Pierce has resulted in the loss of a local life and left two others in serious condition, casting a somber mood across the Treasure Coast this week. The Fort Pierce Police Department is currently investigating the severe two-vehicle collision that occurred late Friday night near a prominent local educational hub.
Timothy A. Ecker, a 58-year-old resident of Fort Pierce, has been identified as the victim who lost his life in the crash. The incident took place shortly after 10:00 p.m. on February 20, 2026, at the intersection of Virginia Avenue and South 35th Street. This busy intersection is located directly adjacent to the Indian River State College (IRSC) Massey campus, an area frequently traveled by residents from across Indian River and St. Lucie counties.
According to the initial investigation by local authorities, the crash involved a high-speed impact. Investigators determined that a Chevrolet Silverado was attempting to make a left turn from Virginia Avenue onto South 35th Street when it was struck by an oncoming vehicle.
The police report indicates that an eastbound Dodge Charger, traveling at a high rate of speed, collided with the truck as it turned. The force of the impact was significant enough to cause Mr. Ecker, who was a passenger in the Silverado, to be ejected from the vehicle.
Emergency responders rushed Ecker to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, the region’s primary trauma center. Despite the efforts of medical personnel to treat his severe injuries, he was pronounced deceased. The drivers of both the Silverado and the Charger survived the initial impact but sustained serious injuries. Both individuals remain hospitalized at Lawnwood Hospital in serious condition as of the latest updates on Monday.
The Fort Pierce Police Department has kept the investigation active as they work to reconstruct the exact sequence of events leading up to the tragedy. Authorities are particularly focused on the speed of the Dodge Charger as a contributing factor.
Local law enforcement is urging the community to assist in the ongoing investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information regarding the events of Friday night is encouraged to contact the Fort Pierce Police Department at 772-467-6800. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-2730-TIPS (8477) or visiting their website.
This is a developing story on the Treasure Coast, and updates will be provided as law enforcement releases further details regarding the investigation.
