Simon Dias Do Dantos, Douglass Hall – Authorities in Broward County are investigating a tragic traffic collision in Deerfield Beach that resulted in the deaths of two people who were riding on a motorcycle. The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) confirmed that the incident occurred on October 18, along the 1200 block of South Powerline Road.
According to the preliminary report from BSO, the crash happened when a Nissan Rogue, driven by 65-year-old Douglass Hall, attempted to make a U-turn to head northbound on Powerline Road. During this maneuver, the motorcycle collided with the passenger side of the vehicle.
The motorcyclist was later identified as 21-year-old Simon Dias Do Dantos. Authorities stated that a juvenile was riding as a passenger on the motorcycle at the time of the incident. Both were severely injured in the collision.
Emergency crews from BSO Fire Rescue responded quickly to the scene, providing immediate assistance. Both Dantos and the juvenile passenger were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Sadly, investigators confirmed that Simon Dantos succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The juvenile passenger, who had been listed in critical condition, later passed away on October 25, several days after the incident.
The driver of the Nissan Rogue, Douglass Hall, and his passenger sustained injuries that were described as non-life-threatening. They were treated at the scene and later taken for medical evaluation as a precaution.
As part of the ongoing investigation, BSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit interviewed multiple witnesses and collected evidence from the crash site. Witnesses reportedly told deputies that the motorcycle was traveling at a very high rate of speed just before the impact. Based on initial findings, detectives believe that excessive speed may have been a significant contributing factor in the collision.
Investigators also noted that the driver of the Nissan appeared to have executed the U-turn at a reasonable distance based on available roadway conditions and traffic flow. However, the investigation remains open as authorities work to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine the precise cause of the crash.
The stretch of South Powerline Road where the incident occurred was temporarily closed for several hours while officials documented the scene, gathered debris, and analyzed skid marks. Deputies also used drone footage to create a more detailed map of the crash area for their ongoing review.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to the families of both victims, acknowledging the deep loss felt within the community. Deputies emphasized the importance of safe driving and adhering to speed limits, especially on roads known for heavy traffic and frequent U-turns.
Community members in Deerfield Beach have also voiced sympathy and concern following the tragedy. Residents who live near the intersection where the crash occurred said they often see drivers speeding through the area and hope additional safety measures—such as clearer signage or stricter enforcement—can help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The BSO Traffic Homicide Unit continues to analyze all available evidence, including surveillance footage from nearby businesses and data from vehicle event recorders, which can reveal details about speed and braking before impact. Once the investigation is complete, findings will be reviewed by the Broward County State Attorney’s Office to determine whether any further action is necessary.
In summary, 21-year-old Simon Dias Do Dantos and a juvenile passenger lost their lives following a collision between a motorcycle and a Nissan Rogue driven by Douglass Hall, 65, on October 18 in Deerfield Beach. Authorities believe excessive speed played a key role in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to provide a full and accurate account of what happened.
