PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A teenager was killed and four other young men were injured late Thursday night following a single-vehicle crash in the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area. The incident, which occurred on Thanksgiving night, was reported at approximately 10:52 p.m. on Stumpers Grade Road, north of the 94th Street North Canal.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in a statement to BocaNewsNow.com, 19-year-old James Robert Rankin Jr. was driving a 2004 Chevy Silverado eastbound when he attempted to negotiate a curve. Investigators say the truck traveled off the left side of the roadway, leading Rankin to overcorrect. The vehicle began to slide and rotate counter-clockwise before exiting the right edge of the road and striking a tree on the front passenger side.
David Ewing, 17, of Lake Worth, was pronounced dead at the scene by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Notably, the crash report indicates that Ewing was the only occupant in the truck wearing a safety belt. Two other passengers, 21-year-old Daniel Pena and 19-year-old Owen Havens, sustained critical injuries. The driver and a fourth passenger, 21-year-old Vito DeAngelo, were listed with serious injuries. We note Pena’s information was redacted by police citing Florida Statute 119 which suggests he is law enforcement or adjacent to law enforcement.
All surviving victims were transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center for treatment. PBSO has confirmed that next of kin have been notified. The crash is currently being investigated by the Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Homicide Investigation unit, and no charges have been filed at this time.
