Colene Ruhl Obituary, Death – Authorities in Winter Springs say a woman in a motorized wheelchair was killed Tuesday afternoon after being struck by a semi-truck while crossing an intersection. The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. near State Road 434 and Belle Avenue, according to a city spokesperson.
When first responders arrived, they discovered the woman lying in the roadway. Officials confirmed she had died from severe injuries sustained after being hit by the semi-tractor-trailer. The crash drew immediate attention from emergency crews and law enforcement, who closed off the intersection to investigate.
According to preliminary details, the woman had been on the sidewalk as a semi-truck traveled eastbound on State Road 434. As the truck approached Belle Avenue, the driver began making a right-hand turn. At that same moment, the woman started crossing Belle Avenue in her wheelchair. Authorities say the trailer portion of the truck struck her during the turn. The impact threw her from her wheelchair, resulting in fatal injuries.
Officials later identified the victim as 58-year-old Colene Ruhl. Investigators believe she was visiting Winter Springs from Jacksonville at the time of the accident. Her sudden death has shaken both the local community and those who knew her personally.
The driver of the semi remained at the scene following the crash and fully cooperated with law enforcement officers. Authorities have not announced any charges or citations at this time, as the case remains under investigation. The presence of the driver and their cooperation will form part of the broader review into how the accident occurred and whether any traffic violations or errors contributed to the fatal outcome.
The intersection where the collision happened is known as a busy corridor, with significant traffic moving through State Road 434. Officials have not indicated whether speed, visibility, or road design played a role in the tragedy, but investigators are working to gather all available evidence, including eyewitness statements and surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
Ruhl’s death highlights the dangers faced by pedestrians and wheelchair users navigating intersections where large commercial trucks operate. Semi-trailers, due to their size and turning radius, often present visibility challenges for drivers, especially when pedestrians are crossing close to the curb. Safety advocates note that these risks reinforce the need for both drivers and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution in shared spaces.
While officials continue piecing together the exact sequence of events, the incident has already sparked conversations about traffic safety and pedestrian protection in Winter Springs. The crash is a tragic reminder of how quickly accidents can turn fatal, particularly when vulnerable road users are involved.
For now, the Winter Springs Police Department and city officials remain focused on completing their investigation. Further updates are expected once more details become available. Meanwhile, family and friends of Colene Ruhl are left grieving the sudden loss of a 58-year-old woman whose visit to Central Florida ended in tragedy.
