CASSELBERRY, Fla. — Authorities have identified the two men who lost their lives in a devastating crash Tuesday afternoon on U.S. Highway 17-92 in Casselberry. Police have also identified the driver accused of causing the deadly collision.
According to the Casselberry Police Department, the victims were identified as Christopher J. Marier, 42, and Tyler M. Marier, 40. Both men were traveling in a gray SUV that was struck near Sunnytown Road and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police identified the driver of the black sedan involved in the crash as 26-year-old Marquavious Tayvon Wheaton. Authorities said charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Investigators said the crash occurred shortly after the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop Wheaton, who was suspected of trafficking fentanyl near 25th Street and State Road 417 in Sanford.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Wheaton failed to stop and fled the area. Deputies did not initiate a ground pursuit due to public safety concerns and instead used the agency’s aviation unit to monitor the vehicle from the air.
Authorities said the suspect vehicle traveled south on U.S. Highway 17-92 at speeds exceeding 100 mph before entering Casselberry.
At approximately 12:04 p.m., the vehicle collided with the gray SUV near Sunnytown Road, killing Christopher and Tyler Marier.
Wheaton was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries. Officials have not released the extent of those injuries.
The tragic crash has left family members, friends, and the Casselberry community mourning the sudden loss of Christopher and Tyler Marier. Multiple agencies, including the Altamonte Springs Police Department, Longwood Police Department, Winter Springs Police Department, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, assisted at the scene as the investigation continues.
