Lawsuit Over Fatal Orlando Police Crash Involving 92-Year-Old Woman Expands

The estate of Milagros “Millie” Ortiz, a 92-year-old who tragically passed away following a collision with an Orlando Police Department vehicle in January, has amended its $92 million wrongful death lawsuit. Initially filed against the City of Orlando, the updated complaint now includes additional defendants: Ford Motor Company, Dana Safety Supply, Inc., and Federal Signal Corporation, Inc.

On January 18, Ortiz was riding in a Jeep, returning home from a bingo game, when her vehicle was struck by a marked Orlando Police Department SUV at the intersection of South Semoran Boulevard and Hoffner Avenue. Officer Andrew McKuhen, who was at a red light, attempted to stop another driver making an illegal U-turn, activating the patrol vehicle’s emergency lights before entering the intersection against the red light. Video footage indicated the emergency lights were turned off just prior to impact, and a witness reported hearing no siren. Investigations later revealed that McKuhen’s vehicle had a history of maintenance issues concerning its warning equipment.