A heartbreaking tragedy has left the Lake Worth community grieving after 19-year-old Haley Rivas lost her life in a single-vehicle crash on Tuesday. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), the accident happened late Tuesday morning, November 25, along Custer Avenue near the 3475 block, just south of 35th Street. The incident has stunned residents, as many struggle to process the sudden loss of a young life full of promise.
Investigators reported that Rivas was driving a 2023 Honda HR-V when the vehicle failed to properly navigate a left turn at an intersection. During the turn, her SUV left the roadway, traveled down a sloped embankment, and overturned into a nearby canal. The crash happened quickly and without warning, prompting an urgent response from first responders. The shocking nature of the accident has raised new concerns about roadway safety on streets with sharp curves or steep drops.
Palm Beach Fire Rescue crews arrived within minutes and immediately entered the canal to reach Rivas inside the submerged vehicle. Emergency teams carefully removed her and brought her to shore before transporting her to Wellington Regional Hospital. Despite the rapid response and determined efforts from medical staff, officials confirmed that she passed away at 7:48 p.m. the same evening. Her loved ones have been notified, and authorities expressed their deepest sympathies as the family faces this devastating loss.
The PBSO emphasized that the investigation remains active, which is standard procedure in fatal crashes. Officials are reviewing all available evidence to understand what contributed to the accident. At this stage, no charges are expected, and it remains unclear whether Rivas was wearing a seatbelt. Authorities explained that additional details will be released as more information is gathered and examined.
This tragedy has become a powerful reminder of how quickly driving conditions can change and how small miscalculations can have serious consequences. While investigators have not identified any roadway defects or outside hazards, they noted that roads like Custer Avenue, with sharp turns and raised embankments, require extra caution. Local officials are urging drivers throughout Palm Beach County to slow down, stay alert, and pay closer attention when approaching challenging intersections or unfamiliar areas.
As word of the crash spread, community members expressed heartfelt condolences for the Rivas family. Friends and neighbors described Haley as a bright young woman whose life ended far too soon. While memorial plans have not yet been announced, many in the area are coming together to honor her memory and reflect on the importance of road safety.
